Russian Strikes on Kyiv Kill at Least 30 in Deadliest Attack on Ukrainian Capital This Year
KYIV — July 2, 2026 — A massive Russian missile and drone assault on the Ukrainian capital has killed at least 30 people and injured more than 90 others, in what officials described as the deadliest attack on Kyiv this year .
The bombardment, which began overnight and lasted more than 11 hours, struck residential buildings across all districts of the city, with a nine-storey apartment block partially collapsing after a direct hit . The attack damaged approximately 130 buildings, including an ambulance station, a hotel, and a medical facility .
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Scale of the Assault
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 drones in the attack, primarily targeting the capital . While air defences intercepted the majority of the incoming projectiles, at least 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones struck 33 locations across the city .
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the barrage as the “most massive attack” on the capital, noting that some 52,500 residents sought shelter in the city’s metro stations . Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it a “night of horror” .
The assault came hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of an impending attack and cut short his visit to Dublin for the start of Ireland’s EU presidency .
Rescue Operations and Casualties
As of Friday morning, the death toll stood at 30, with three additional bodies recovered from the rubble overnight . The State Emergency Service confirmed that 85 to 91 people were injured, including children .
Rescue teams continue to search through debris, with officials warning that the toll could rise further . At least 20 residential buildings sustained direct hits, and damage was recorded in all districts of Kyiv, including Holosiivskyi, Darnytskyi, Desnianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi .
Russia’s Justification and Ukraine’s Response
Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that the attack was retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries, and claimed it targeted military and energy facilities . The Ministry said it used “high-precision long-range weapons” to strike weapons factories and military airfield infrastructure .
Ukrainian officials rejected Russia’s justification. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it “immoral” to equate the actions of “the aggressor and a country defending itself” . Zelenskyy urged partners to provide more Patriot air defence systems, describing them as an “absolute and critical priority” .
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The Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office has launched a war crimes investigation under Ukraine’s Criminal Code, citing civilian casualties and the deliberate targeting of residential infrastructure .
SOURCES / INPUTS
ThePrint: Russia bombards Kyiv in deadliest strike this year, killing at least 30 people
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