Air raid alerts were issued across Kyiv on Friday as NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte arrived in the Ukrainian capital for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit coincided with renewed Russian strikes, including the reported use of FAB-500 bombs in Sumy and fresh advances in Donetsk.

According to Ukrainian officials, the attacks targeted multiple regions, adding to the ongoing pressure on frontline positions. The escalation came as Russia claimed to have captured three additional villages in the Donetsk region, intensifying the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

During his meeting with President Zelensky, Rutte assured Kyiv of NATO’s continued commitment, promising what he called “robust security guarantees” to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The talks focused on both immediate military support and long-term security arrangements amid Russia’s expanding offensive.

Observers note that the timing of the strikes underscored the heightened stakes of the conflict, as Ukraine seeks stronger international backing while facing sustained Russian advances. Zelensky reiterated his government’s appeal for advanced weaponry and air defense systems, stressing the urgent need to protect Ukrainian cities from ongoing bombardments.

The latest developments reflect a deepening crisis, with the war showing no signs of slowing more than two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. While NATO reaffirmed its solidarity with Ukraine, the continued intensity of Russian attacks highlights the challenges Kyiv faces in both defending its territory and securing lasting international guarantees