Russian strikes on Kyiv kill nine, injure 28

At least nine people have been killed and 28 others, including four children, injured after Russian missile strikes hit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, causing widespread destruction to residential buildings and triggering multiple fires.

According to the United Nations, June was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since April 2022.

The latest attack comes as Russia and Ukraine continue to intensify cross-border strikes, while Kyiv presses its Western allies for stronger air defence support.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said the Russian attack struck five districts of Kyiv, leaving at least nine people dead and 28 injured.

Earlier, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents of an incoming ballistic missile attack.

“Explosions in the city. Kyiv is under ballistic missile attack. Stay in shelters!” Mr Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

Journalists in the city reported hearing more than 10 explosions in quick succession, with the blasts setting off car alarms across several neighbourhoods.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said it carried out a “massive strike” in the Kyiv region, targeting what it described as military-industrial facilities and logistics centres.

Homes damaged, residents traumatised

In Kyiv’s Darnytsky district, the strikes damaged several buildings and vehicles, with authorities confirming seven deaths and 14 injuries.

In Solomiansky district, two people were killed and eight others injured after a five-storey residential building was hit.

A 75-year-old resident, Mrs Kateryna Kravchenko, described the destruction of her apartment.

“Everything was smashed, the windows, everything,” she said.

“I can barely stand. I don’t know how I’m going to get through all this.”

Another resident, identified only as Mrs Oksana, said she planned to leave the area.

“You can’t stay here after something like this,” the 46-year-old said.

“What guarantee is there that it won’t happen again?”

Images released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service showed firefighters battling blazes in damaged residential buildings, while rescue workers searched through rubble for survivors.

The agency said 105 people had been rescued from affected areas across Kyiv.

Ukraine seeks stronger air defence

While Kyiv has endured almost nightly Russian attacks, Ukraine has also stepped up retaliatory drone strikes against Russian territory in recent months, aiming to pressure Moscow into negotiations after nearly four and a half years of war.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 274 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Russian online retailer Wildberries also reported that one of its logistics facilities in Volgograd caught fire following an overnight attack.

Ukraine has previously accused the company of storing drone components and supporting the Russian military, an allegation the company has denied.

Zelensky renews appeal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met United States President Donald Trump this week for talks on military support.

Following the meeting, Mr Zelensky said President Trump had agreed to license the production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine.

However, President Trump later said Washington would have to be “very careful” about granting such a licence.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said Saturday’s attack underscored the urgent need for additional air defence systems.

“Ukraine urgently needs additional air and missile defense systems and interceptors,” Mr Sybiha said.

“It is the battle for the skies that will define the trajectory of this war. The stronger the air shield over Ukraine, the closer peace becomes.”