Russia launches major assault on Kyiv as Nato allies prepare new arms drive for Ukraine

Russia launched one of its most intense aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent months, just hours before a high-level North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) meeting convened to discuss new weapons deliveries to Kyiv.

The overnight bombardment left two people dead and 15 wounded, including a 12-year-old child, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Monday (July 21) barrage came just days after US President Donald Trump promised fresh military support for Ukraine, including Patriot air defence systems. Speaking last week, Trump said deliveries would begin “within days”.

Kyiv pounded as Ukraine hits Moscow with drones

The assault on Kyiv began just after midnight and continued until around 6am. It was the most significant attack on the capital since Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, arrived in the city last week. Russian strikes had paused during his visit.

Moscow’s defence ministry said it used drones and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles to hit Ukraine’s airfields and military infrastructure.

Ukraine’s air force reported that 426 Shahed and decoy drones were launched, along with 24 missiles of various types. The military said 200 drones were intercepted and 203 others were either jammed or lost from radar.

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As Ukraine scrambled to reposition its aircraft, four of its military planes accidentally entered Romanian airspace for several minutes, the country’s defence ministry said.

Ukraine also launched long-range drone attacks of its own. Russia’s defence ministry said 74 drones were shot down overnight, including 23 in the Moscow region. Fifteen were intercepted directly over the city.

Nato meeting to press on with arms effort

Monday’s attack heightened pressure on Nato allies as they met to accelerate military aid. The virtual session of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group was chaired by UK Defence Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Nato chief Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen Alexus Grynkewich also attended.

Healey was expected to urge allies to launch a “50-day drive” to ensure Ukraine receives critical weapons supplies, according to a statement from the UK government. The campaign coincides with Trump’s announcement of a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face new sanctions.

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The US plan involves European nations either donating existing stockpiles of American-made arms or purchasing and sending them through Nato to Ukraine. However, there have been delays in implementation.

Ukraine awaits Patriot missile systems

Germany has offered to finance two new Patriot systems for Ukraine and has raised the possibility of donating existing systems and receiving replacements from the US. But German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned delivery could take time.

In a parallel development, Switzerland’s defence ministry said it had been informed by the US that five previously ordered Patriot systems would be reprioritised to help Ukraine.

While Kyiv waits for the high-end air defences, Nato continues to coordinate deliveries of artillery rounds and ammunition. A senior Nato official said shipments that had been paused were resuming.

Zelenskyy on Saturday proposed a new round of peace talks, though Russian state media reported no date had been set. The talks are expected to be held in Istanbul. On Sunday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains open to peace, but reiterated that its goals must still be achieved.