Deadly Russian Drone and Missile Barrage Hits Kyiv in Overnight Assault

Russia unleashed a massive overnight barrage of drones and missiles on Ukraine’s capital, killing at least two people and injuring 19 others in one of the most intense attacks of the war to date. The assault, which began shortly after midnight and lasted nearly ten hours, left residential buildings and infrastructure in flames and sent thousands of residents scrambling for shelter.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces launched 397 drones—almost 200 of them Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones—alongside 18 missiles, including ballistic types. Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down 14 missiles and 164 drones, while another 204 drones and missiles were neutralized by electronic warfare measures

Kyiv bore the brunt of the attack, with Shevchenkivskyi and Darnytskyi districts among the hardest hit. Fires broke out in apartment buildings, gas stations, and garages, and a primary healthcare clinic in the Podilskyi district was almost completely destroyed. The two fatalities were identified as a 68-year-old resident and a 22-year-old police officer. Among the 19 injured, at least 10 have been hospitalized, some with shrapnel wounds.

Verified video from the aftermath shows firefighters battling blazes in central Kyiv, thick black smoke billowing from shattered windows, and debris scattered across city streets. Residents described a night of relentless explosions and air raid sirens, with many forced to take refuge in metro stations and bomb shelters

President Zelenskyy called the attack “a clear escalation of terror by Russia,” urging Ukraine’s allies to accelerate sanctions and increase military support, especially interceptor drones and air defense systems. The attack comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and follows a record-breaking barrage earlier in the week, as Russia intensifies its aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities.

Russian authorities claimed the strikes targeted military-industrial facilities and a military airfield, asserting that all designated targets were hit. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have not disclosed whether any military sites were struck, citing security concerns.

The overnight assault marks the second consecutive night of mass attacks on Kyiv and underscores the growing intensity of Russia’s campaign as the war enters another summer of violence.