Russia Launches Deadliest Attack on Ukrainian Capital in Almost a Year
Russia's latest air assault on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, has killed at least 10 people, including an American, and wounded over 100, marking the deadliest attack on the city in nearly a year. This devastating strike comes as Moscow intensifies its air campaign, leaving already fragile hopes for a cease-fire in tatters. As world leaders convene for a Group of 7 summit in Canada, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed the world's failure to deliver a strong rebuke to Russia's assaults, accusing Putin of waging war solely because he can afford to do so.
Key Takeaways:
- Russia launched a massive air assault on Kyiv, using 440 drones and 32 missiles, targeting cities across the south and west, including Odesa.
- At least 10 people were killed, including an American, and over 100 wounded, with damage reported at over two dozen sites across the city.
- President Zelensky criticized the world's inaction in condemning Russia's attacks, saying it's a "disgrace" that powerful leaders turn a blind eye to such atrocities.
- Ukraine's interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, confirmed that a 62-year-old U.S. citizen had died in the attack, with residents enduring an all-too-familiar soundtrack of drones, heavy machine guns, and air-defense missiles.
- Damage has been reported at a nine-story residential building outside the city center, with rescuers clearing rubble and searching for survivors.
- Evgeniy Povarenkov, a survivor of the attack, described how the explosion jolted the building, knocking him unconscious, and said, "They are killing us, killing the Ukrainian nation."
- Ukrainian authorities have warned that more people might still be trapped under the ruins, with President Zelensky set to press for more support and tougher sanctions on Russia during the Group of 7 summit.
Statistics:
- 440 drones and 32 missiles were used in the attack.
- At least 10 people were killed, including an American.
- Over 100 people were wounded.
- Damage was reported at over two dozen sites across the city.
- The United Nations said nearly 50% more civilians have been killed and injured in Ukraine in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- Russia launched about 550 aerial weapons during the entire month of June 2024, with over 400 drones and missiles used in a single night.
Sources:
- "Russia Pounds Ukraine With Missile Strikes, Killing Dozens" by New York Times.
- Statement from President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
- United Nations statement on the attack.
- Black Bird Group report on battlefield developments in Ukraine.