A wave of Russian airstrikes slammed into Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight, marking one of the deadliest assaults in recent months.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that at least two people were killed and 16 others injured as nearly 400 drones and 18 missiles rained down on the city, triggering fires, chaos, and destruction.
The capital’s air raid sirens blared for over three hours, disrupting sleep and sending residents scrambling to shelters. The attacks struck residential buildings, healthcare facilities, and even metro stations, leaving behind a trail of destruction and deepening fears of further escalation.
Civilian Targets Hit in Kyiv
Authorities in Kyiv described widespread damage across the city. Drone debris struck the roof of a residential building, while fires erupted in at least eight districts. A primary healthcare center in the Podilsky district was “almost completely destroyed,” according to Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the identities of the two fatalities: a 68-year-old woman and a 22-year-old police officer who was killed while stationed at a metro stop.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, in a message on Telegram, said:
“Residential buildings, vehicles, warehouses, office and non-residential buildings are burning.”
Smoke lingered in the air long after the strikes, prompting warnings for residents to keep windows closed even after the all-clear signal.
Zelensky Demands More Action, Air Defenses
President Zelensky condemned the attack as another act of terrorism by Russia. He said:
“Russia is obviously stepping up terror. It is necessary to be faster with sanctions and pressure Russia so that it feels the outcomes of its own terror.”
He added that he would be speaking with international partners to secure funding for more interceptor drones and air defense systems, citing the increasing pace and intensity of attacks.
The UN confirmed that June was Ukraine’s deadliest month in three years, with 232 civilians killed and over 1,300 injured. Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, stated:
“Civilians across Ukraine are facing levels of suffering we have not seen in over three years.”
The UN and Western allies have condemned the attacks. Meanwhile, the US has resumed arms shipments to Ukraine, including air defense systems, after a brief halt earlier this week.
Diplomacy Falters as Tensions Escalate
Amid the devastation, diplomatic efforts appear increasingly fruitless. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that diplomacy with Russia had been “exhausted,” and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made similar remarks.
Even U.S. President Donald Trump, who has frequently boasted of his ability to negotiate with Vladimir Putin, expressed frustration. He told reporters:
“We get a lot of bull—- thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice to us all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”
While Washington considers sanctions against nations supporting Russia’s energy exports, Europe is working on another round of sanctions and security support.
A 77-nation conference on Ukraine’s recovery has just opened in Rome, with renewed calls to boost Kyiv’s air defenses and humanitarian support.