Zelenskyy Urges NATO Leaders to Take 'Strong Decisions' as Summit Opens

The Ukrainian president calls for stronger military support after one of the deadliest Russian attacks on Kyiv in recent months, ahead of key NATO discussions in Ankara.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on NATO leaders to take what he described as "strong decisions"in support of Ukraine as alliance leaders gather in Ankara for the annual NATO summit.

His appeal comes after a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding regions killed at least 21 people and injured dozens more, making it one of the deadliest assaults on the Ukrainian capital in recent months.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Zelenskyy said Ukraine urgently requires additional air defence systems, military assistance and sustained international backing to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. He stressed that the security of Europe depends on a united response to the ongoing conflict.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte condemned the latest strikes, describing them as evidence that Russia continues to intensify its military campaign despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. He reiterated the alliance's commitment to supporting Ukraine while also encouraging European member states to strengthen their own defence capabilities.

The summit is expected to focus on defence spending, military cooperation and long-term security planning. Ukraine remains one of the central issues on the agenda, with leaders discussing additional military aid packages and strategies to reinforce NATO's eastern flank.

The meeting also comes amid renewed diplomatic activity. U.S. President Donald Trump recently said that progress toward ending the conflict was "getting closer," following separate conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putinand

President Zelenskyy. However, the latest attacks on Kyiv have highlighted the significant gap that remains between diplomatic efforts and conditions on the battlefield.

As NATO leaders continue their discussions, the summit is expected to shape the alliance's approach to European security at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and one of the most challenging periods since the conflict began.