Russian attack on Kyiv before NATO summit: Putin's goal
Russia launched a massive missile attack on Kyiv overnight July 6, killing at least 22 people. Experts say the strike is a signal to NATO ahead of the Ankara summit, aiming to intimidate allies and boost domestic morale.
Ukraine is slowly recovering from another heavy Russian bombardment. On the night of July 6, Russia attacked the capital with 68 missiles of various types, including Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 3M22 Zircon and Oniks cruise missiles, as well as 351 drones. At least 22 people were killed in Kyiv and 15 in the Kyiv region; dozens were injured. Debris is being cleared at more than 20 locations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned citizens on July 5 based on intelligence, urging them to heed air raid alerts and calling on partners to speed up interceptor missile deliveries for Patriot systems. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a high percentage of cruise missiles but failed to shoot down any ballistic missiles due to a shortage of Patriot missiles, according to Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat.
Putin's message to NATO
Analysts stress that the attack came just before the NATO summit in Ankara. Oleksandr Kraiev of the Ukrainian Prism think tank said Putin wants to show that NATO decisions to support Ukraine cannot deter him. "He wants to intimidate Europeans and NATO allies so they see support for Ukraine as pointless," Kraiev told DW.
Ivan Us of the National Institute for Strategic Studies added that Putin aims to project Russian strength and fear, while also countering domestic doubts about the war. "The attack on Kyiv is meant to demonstrate that Russia still has a chance to win," Us said.
International response
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems, and the issue will be discussed at the NATO summit. "We are working hard to seal the deal on the 21st sanctions package," she posted on X.
Experts note a shift in Washington's stance: US President Donald Trump now sees Russia as unreliable and Ukraine as making gains, including halting the enemy at the front and striking Russia's energy sector. Kraiev suggested the summit could reinforce this shift, with allies possibly issuing a joint statement.
Outlook
Kraiev argued that the strategy of bombing Ukrainians to break them has backfired, prompting partners to increase support, especially Patriot systems. Us expects the summit to encourage countries with Patriot missiles to provide them to Ukraine in exchange for NATO guarantees, possibly discuss licensing production, and approve $140 billion in military aid over two years.
