At least seven people have died in fresh Russian missile strikes on Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, as NATO leaders began a summit in Turkey on Wednesday, Ukrainian officials said.

The latest barrage struck targets across the country overnight, adding to a rising civilian death toll that has exceeded 50 this month alone from a spate of ballistic missile and drone attacks. The attacks coincided directly with the start of a crucial meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in Ankara.

Ukrainian authorities reported that the strikes involved multiple ballistic missiles and Iranian-made Shahed drones, launched from Russian territory. Air raid sirens blared across a significant portion of the country, including the capital, for several hours as air defence systems engaged incoming threats.

In Kyiv, emergency services responded to explosions in central districts, where residential buildings sustained damage. Debris from intercepted missiles fell onto streets, sparking small fires and injuring several individuals alongside the confirmed fatalities. Rescuers were seen sifting through rubble in the early morning light.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office condemned the attacks as a deliberate act of terror aimed at intimidating Ukraine and its allies. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking from Ankara, stated that the alliance stood united with Ukraine and would continue to provide "unwavering support" in the face of Russian aggression.

Renewed Assault on Ukrainian Cities

The overnight strikes mark a significant escalation in Russia's recent campaign against Ukrainian cities, which has seen an increase in both frequency and intensity. Analysts suggest the renewed focus on urban centres could be an attempt to disrupt civilian life and pressure the Ukrainian government ahead of key international diplomatic gatherings.

Kyiv has been a particular target, enduring several large-scale attacks over the last week. The sustained bombardment has tested the resolve of residents and the capacity of Ukraine's air defence network, which relies heavily on Western-supplied systems.

Kyiv missile strike aftermath debris

Damage assessments were ongoing on Wednesday, with local administrations reporting hits on critical infrastructure alongside residential areas. Power outages were reported in some regions, though authorities worked swiftly to restore services.

NATO Leaders Convene in Turkey

Against the backdrop of these ongoing attacks, leaders from NATO's 32 member states gathered in Ankara for a two-day summit. The war in Ukraine is expected to dominate discussions, with allies focusing on long-term security commitments to Kyiv and strengthening the alliance's eastern flank.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan opened the summit, emphasizing the need for de-escalation while reaffirming support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Diplomatic sources indicated that discussions would include further military aid packages, intelligence sharing, and potential pathways for Ukraine's eventual membership in the alliance.

The timing of the Russian strikes has been interpreted by some delegates as a provocative message from Moscow, aiming to underscore Russia's continued military capabilities and its disregard for international diplomatic efforts. No official statement from the Kremlin on the strikes was immediately available.

Deepening Alliance Support

NATO leaders are expected to announce new commitments to enhance Ukraine's defence capabilities, possibly including more advanced air defence systems and longer-range precision weaponry. Discussions are also focusing on the practical steps and timelines for Ukraine's integration into NATO, a contentious issue that has been a long-standing point of tension with Moscow.

The alliance's resolve to counter Russian aggression has hardened since the full-scale invasion began in early 2022. Member states have collectively provided billions in aid, imposed extensive sanctions on Russia, and bolstered their own military postures.

However, the scale of ongoing combat and the persistent threat of Russian missile attacks on civilian areas underscore the urgent need for robust and sustained support. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for more comprehensive air defence coverage and a faster delivery of promised military assistance.

The Ankara summit is anticipated to conclude on Thursday with a joint declaration outlining the alliance's strategic priorities and its unified stance on global security challenges, with a significant focus on the continuing conflict in Ukraine.