Deadly Russian Airstrike Hits Kyiv: 7 Killed, Dozens Injured in Overnight Assault
KYIV — At least seven people were killed and 19 injured after Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv and surrounding areas in a nighttime barrage that left residential buildings burning and emergency crews scrambling to rescue survivors.
The attack, one of the deadliest on the capital in recent months, hit homes, hospitals, and public infrastructure in the early hours of Sunday, June 23. Ukrainian officials confirmed widespread damage across the city and the broader Kyiv region.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in a public statement that multiple areas, including healthcare and sports facilities, were struck. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that six of the dead were inside a high-rise building, where flames gutted entire floors and forced evacuations.
“Emergency responders are working through the wreckage. The situation is severe,” Klitschko said.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 352 drones and 16 missiles overnight, primarily aimed at Kyiv. Explosions lit up the sky across the city, where fires broke out in residential zones. Footage released by Ukraine’s emergency services showed residents—many in sleepwear—being escorted through smoke-filled corridors and rubble.
In addition to residential buildings, the strike damaged the entrance to a metro station. Local authorities said many residents had sought shelter underground during the assault, a grim routine since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022.
Officials have not confirmed whether all drones and missiles were intercepted. However, the scale of destruction indicates multiple direct hits.
Ukraine’s emergency services remain on high alert as search-and-rescue operations continue. Firefighters and medical teams are still assessing the full extent of the casualties and damage.
This latest assault comes amid a renewed wave of Russian airstrikes across Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. Kyiv, in particular, has experienced a rise in long-range attacks targeting both civilian and military infrastructure.
The Kremlin has not issued a statement regarding the strike.
As Ukraine marks over three years of war, the cost in civilian lives continues to mount. Sunday’s attack is now among the deadliest to hit Kyiv this year.
