Russia launches massive strike on Kyiv, killing at least 20 people

Russia’s overnight barrage on Kyiv killed at least 20 people and injured dozens more as emergency crews searched shattered apartment blocks for survivors. Ukrainian officials said the capital was the main target, with 74 missiles and 496 long-range drones launched in one of the biggest attacks on the city since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.

Ukraine’s Air Force said 48 missiles and 476 drones were shot down or suppressed, but 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones still hit 33 locations. The assault tore into residential buildings, triggered fires and explosions, and left heavy damage across the city, including in Solomianskyi district and other neighborhoods hit before dawn.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine and other first responders spent the morning clearing rubble, pulling people from damaged buildings and checking the remains of homes for anyone still trapped inside. Early casualty counts put the toll at 18, then rose as rescue work continued, with the number of dead later reaching 20 and then 21. Dozens more were injured, and the number of wounded climbed above 80 as hospitals received casualties from across the city.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned before the attack that Russia was preparing a massive strike. After the barrage, he said first responders were clearing rubble, searching for people and providing aid.

Vitali Klitschko called it the most massive attack on Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion more than four years ago. Kyiv city authorities declared July 3 a day of mourning, lowered flags on municipal buildings and canceled entertainment events.