Russia Launches Largest Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv Since Full-Scale Invasion

Russia hit Kyiv overnight between July 1 and July 2 with its largest missile and drone attack on the capital since the full-scale invasion began more than four years ago. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia used 74 missiles and 496 drones. State emergency services said at least 21 people were killed and 85 wounded, including two children.

Damage occurred in 30 locations, mainly residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said 20 residential buildings were damaged. In the Darnytskyi district, six levels of a nine-story building collapsed and another five-story building was hit.

An ambulance station was struck, damaging nine ambulances and injuring six medical staff and drivers. In the Desnianskyi district, people were trapped inside a damaged nine-story residential building. Fires broke out on the roof of a 16-story building in the Holosiivskyi district and in two private residences in the Sviatoshynskyi district, where debris also trapped people.

Russia's Defense Ministry said the strike targeted key military plants in Kyiv. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia will continue to increase pressure on the Kyiv regime. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested a license from Washington to manufacture Patriot missiles.

He said support from partners is coming too slow because political debates are slowing shipments of air defenses. Zelenskyy added that Ukrainian officials remain in contact with U.S. envoys including Jared Kushner and stated that Russia is losing while Ukrainians will win the war.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attack as a night of horror and urged allies to strengthen air defenses without delay. He rejected Russian claims of retaliation and said Ukraine was exercising its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.