Overnight into Saturday, November 7, Russia fired 36 ballistic missiles and about 172 drones at Kyiv and its region. Ukraine's Air Force said it downed or suppressed four ballistic missiles and 149 Shahed-type drones. The North Bridge and a kindergarten in the Solomianskyi district were damaged. Zelensky said Russia was targeting critical infrastructure ahead of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11.
1
The grid was the target
Zelensky said missiles hit substations linking Kyiv to nuclear power plants. The Kyiv Post reported at least five injured, including a child. A drone struck a house in the Kyiv-region village of Bohdanivka, killing a man.
2
The interception gap
Air Force figures put drone interception near 87%, but ballistic missiles at only about 11%. Fast ballistic missiles require high-end systems such as Patriot. That is exactly where Ukraine depends most on American supply.
3
Cards on the table
Trump said a deal was very close after meeting Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev on November 5. Moscow is seeking sanctions relief for its RDIF sovereign fund, which US officials call a routine review. Whether to grant it remains Washington's call.
Thirty-six missiles will not buy Moscow better terms. Before Abu Dhabi, sanctions and air defense are Washington's real cards.
Key FAQ
Q1: How large was the attack?
Thirty-six ballistic missiles and about 172 drones. Ukraine downed or suppressed four missiles and 149 drones.
Q2: Why are ballistic missiles harder to stop?
They are fast and need high-end systems like Patriot. Interception was about 11%, versus about 87% for drones.
Q3: What comes next?
The November 10-11 trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, and whether Washington lifts sanctions on Russia's RDIF fund.
Sources
- ✓ Kyiv Independent — 36 Russian ballistic missiles slam Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, damage Northern Bridge, injure at least 6 people — 2026-11-07
- ✓ Kyiv Post — Russia Fires 36 Ballistic Missiles at Kyiv and Region, Damaging Power Grid — 2026-11-07
- ✓ RTÉ — Russian barrage hits Kyiv ahead of peace talks — 2026-11-07
- ✓ CNN — Russia and US discussing sanctions relief for Moscow's sovereign wealth fund, Kremlin aide says — 2026-10-29