Russian forces unleashed a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on June 23. Ukraine’s air force intercepted most munitions, but Russia struck high-density areas. The assault killed at least seven civilians and injured dozens.
Russian operators flew about 352 Shahed drones and launched 16 ballistic or cruise missiles at Kyiv, according to Ukraine’s military. Their air defenses shot down 339 drones and 15 missiles, but six missiles hit their targets in residential and public zones. Rescuers cleared debris in Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district after a five-story apartment building partially collapsed. Six civilians died in that district. Emergency services continued to search for survivors amid smoking rubble and injured patients. President Zelensky condemned the attack and highlighted Russia’s use of Iranian drones and North Korean missiles. He called it a “coalition of murderers” and pledged to press international allies during his UK visit ahead of the NATO summit.He urged swift provision of advanced air-defense systems and stricter sanctions on Moscow. Zelensky stressed that civilian protection must guide NATO and EU leaders.
As Kyiv recovers from this bombardment, local shelters remain full, while cities across Ukraine brace for potential next waves of these brutal strikes.