Russia Strikes Kyiv Killing Two Ahead NATO Ukraine Aid Talks

Russia launched one of its largest recent aerial attacks on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv with drones and missiles that caused significant destruction and casualties, including the deaths of two people and injuries to at least 15, among them a 12-year-old boy. The strikes damaged multiple buildings, including a kindergarten, a supermarket, and facilities near the Azerbaijani embassy, and forced the ventilation of a subway station where civilians had taken shelter. These attacks occurred just hours before a high-level NATO meeting, led by British and German defense ministers and attended by U.S. and NATO officials, to discuss President Donald Trump's plan to supply Ukraine with additional weapons through NATO allies. Trump also issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Kyiv, condemning Russian strikes on civilians and expressing solidarity with Ukraine, highlighting the special bond between the two nations. The intensified Russian aerial campaign underscores Ukraine's urgent need for Western military aid, especially advanced air defense systems, to counter Moscow's expanding drone capabilities.