At least 17 dead, 90 injured in Kyiv after 'heaviest enemy attack ever'

Kyiv endured its "heaviest enemy attack ever" overnight as Russia unleashed a barrage of 74 missiles and 496 drones on the Ukrainian capital. The assault left at least 17 people dead and 90 injured, with strikes hitting 33 different locations, including residential buildings and apartment blocks.

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the heaviest enemy attack ever

Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the widespread damage as the worst the city has ever faced. He declared July 3 a day of mourning for Kyiv. The Ukrainian Interior Minister reported that 20 residential buildings were struck.

Russia confirmed the attack, framing it as retaliation for recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets, including Moscow. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted military and energy installations around Kyiv, as well as military airfields in other regions. Russia stated it would continue to increase pressure to achieve its objectives.

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Today I ask our people in Ukraine to be especially careful. Stay safe and protect your families and children. Be sure to find a shelter and pay attention to the air alarms.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned citizens to be cautious and seek shelter. Following the attack, he appealed to European allies for more air defense systems, emphasizing their critical role in saving lives. Zelensky highlighted the importance of bilateral agreements on air defense and the production of antiballistic weapons, thanking leaders who contribute to these efforts.

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Every bilateral agreement we make with our partners on air defense makes a real difference. I am grateful to every leader who contributes to this. It is important that we continue to implement our agreements on the production of anti-ballistic weapons.