Russia Hits Kyiv With Ballistic Missiles Hours After NATO Summit Opens

Russia attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles in the early hours of Wednesday, July 8, just hours after the NATO summit opened in Ankara, sparking fires across the Ukrainian capital and injuring at least two people, city officials reported. NATO says the Ankara summit is taking place on July 7–8, with support for Ukraine listed among the key agenda items.

Powerful explosions were heard in Kyiv before the air-raid alert was activated, according to Ukrainska Pravda. Ukraine’s Air Force later warned of a ballistic missile threat from the north, while Kyiv City Military Administration chief Tymur Tkachenko said Russia was attacking the capital with ballistic weapons.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that warehouse facilities were burning in the Desnianskyi district after a missile hit the area. In the Sviatoshynskyi district, a fire broke out in a non-residential building. “The enemy is attacking the capital with ballistic missiles. Stay in shelters,” Klitschko warned residents via Telegram.

The number of injured later rose to two, with one person hospitalized. Earlier, Tkachenko had reported one injured person as a preliminary figure.

Ukraine’s Air Force first warned of a ballistic threat from the north, then reported “a missile toward Kyiv” and “more ballistics on Kyiv.” By 12:39 a.m., the threat had expanded to other Ukrainian regions, Ukrainska Pravda reported.At 1:30 a.m., KMVA warned of an additional Russian drone threat, according to Ukrainska Pravda. The Air Force announced the all-clear at 1:45 a.m.

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The overnight assault coincided with NATO leaders gathering in Ankara for the July 7–8 summit, where Ukraine is pressing allies for stronger air defenses, expanded military support and deeper defense cooperation.

Hours earlier, Kyiv had signed new Drone Deal agreements with Estonia, the Netherlands and Denmark on the sidelines of the gathering.