Massive Russia attack on Ukraine kills 13, injures over 80 in Kyiv
Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine Thursday, concentrating on the capital Kyiv, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 80.
Russia attacked Ukraine with a massive wave of missiles and drones on Thursday, focused primarily on the capital Kyiv, killing at least 13 people and injuring over 80. The Air Force reported that Russia launched 74 missiles and more than 490 attack drones, some of which targeted Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned of a major Russian aerial assault on Wednesday, when he cut short a visit to Ireland.
Local authorities recorded damage and destruction at more than 30 locations across all districts of Kyiv, including a hospital, a household appliances warehouse, and a hotel in the city center. Residential buildings were among the sites hit, with over 20 direct hits reported. Both Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv military administration, said a number of civilians were believed to be trapped under the ruins of damaged housing. Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko described the attack as the “most massive” to hit the Ukrainian capital and said emergency response teams were attempting to rescue victims buried under the rubble. He also announced that the city would declare an official day of mourning on July 3 to commemorate the victims.
Ukrainian air defense managed to shoot down most of the drones and 44 of 46 cruise missiles, but only four out of 24 ballistic missiles launched by Moscow. Kyiv has reported a deficit of PAC-3 and PAC-2 interceptors following U.S. military operations against Iran. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for immediate decisions on air defense systems and missiles for Ukraine, increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, and enhancing support for Ukraine, including energy assistance. “Decisions on air defense systems and missiles for Ukraine are needed now, not later! Decisions on increasing sanctions pressure on Russia are needed now, not later! Decisions on increasing support for Ukraine, including energy assistance, are needed now, not later!” he posted on social media.
The Russian strikes come after Ukrainian deep strikes inflicted serious damage on Russian energy infrastructure, causing a fuel supply crisis and forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency on the Crimean peninsula. As of press time, Russia’s Defense Ministry had not issued an official statement regarding the latest massive attack on Ukraine. It did, however, report the interception and destruction of 327 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.
