Russian Ballistic Missiles Strike Kyiv as Ukraine Targets Russian Shadow Fleet

A series of explosions rocked Kyiv on Tuesday night in a fresh Russian assault employing ballistic missiles, while Ukraine escalated its operations against Russian logistical infrastructure and fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov, coinciding with the 36th NATO summit.

A loud explosion was heard in Kyiv prior to air raid sirens, followed by four additional blasts. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed that missile strikes hit warehouses in one district and caused a fire in a non-residential building in another area.

Klitschko appealed to residents through social media platforms, stating, "The enemy is attacking the capital with ballistic missiles. Stay in shelters."

Simultaneously, the eastern city of Kharkiv experienced missile strikes affecting two districts, damaging over 20 homes and injuring two people who suffered psychological trauma, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

These military developments occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the NATO leaders’ meeting in Ankara, where he reiterated calls for allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses. He was also expected to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the summit sidelines to secure urgent Patriot missile supplies and revive efforts to end the conflict ongoing for more than four years.

Ukraine Intensifies Attacks on Russian Shadow Fleet

Alongside the Russian missile strikes, the Ukrainian armed forces announced an escalation in operations aimed at isolating Crimea. Over the past two days, Ukrainian drones targeted 12 Russian fuel tankers belonging to the so-called "shadow fleet" en route to Crimea.

The Ukrainian drone forces reported that eight sanctioned vessels in the Sea of Azov were struck, along with two additional tankers. These attacks complicate the logistical supply of fuel and ammunition to Russian forces.

Kremlin Accuses Europe of Pressuring Ukraine

On the political front, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused European countries of pressuring Ukraine to prolong the war, describing the West’s belief in its ability to achieve a strategic victory as "the biggest mistake ever."

In an interview with the Swiss magazine Weltwoche, Peskov expressed concern about the militarization and rearmament of Europe. He denied that Russia seeks to ignite a third world war and affirmed that there remains sufficient rationality to maintain communication with the United States despite current tensions.