During NATO summit, President Joe Biden condemned the wave of Russian missile strikes that killed nearly 38 people in Ukraine, calling it a “horrific reminder of Russia’s brutality.” In response, Biden vowed to strengthen Kyiv’s air defenses, with further measures expected to be announced on Tuesday.
The attacks resulted in at least 190 injuries across the country, including some at Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, Ohmatdyt, in the capital, Kyiv. Ukraine published photos on Tuesday of what it claimed were fragments of a Russian cruise missile that struck the hospital. While Russia asserted that the blast was caused by a misfiring Ukrainian air defense missile, the United Nations stated it was highly likely Moscow was behind the attack—a conclusion echoed by analysts who spoke to the BBC.
President Biden is set to host a NATO summit in Washington later on Tuesday, where further boosts to Ukraine’s air defenses are expected to be announced. The summit brings together leaders from the 32 NATO member states, partner countries, and the European Union to mark the 75th anniversary of the alliance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also anticipated to attend.
For months, Zelensky has been urging Western allies to step up the delivery of air defenses amid increased Russian attacks. UN officials reported that May was the deadliest month for civilian casualties in nearly a year. The summit’s focus will be on defense and deterrence in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Although Ukraine is not a NATO member, it has requested to be admitted as soon as possible after its war with Russia concludes. NATO’s outgoing Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, has stated that it is “inevitable” Ukraine will eventually become a member, but not until after the conflict ends. Russia staunchly opposes Ukraine joining the bloc, fearing it would bring NATO forces too close to its territory.
“We will be announcing new measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses to help protect their cities and civilians from Russian strikes,” Biden said. “I will be meeting with President Zelensky to make clear our support for Ukraine is unshakeable.”
In addition to the NATO summit, the UN Security Council is meeting on Tuesday at Ukraine’s request. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined Western officials in condemning Russia’s missile attack on Ukraine.
In the wake of the deadly attacks on the capital, Kyiv’s mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, declared July 9 a day of mourning.
The international community’s attention remains fixed on Ukraine as leaders gather to address the ongoing conflict and reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.