Kyiv Under Siege: Russian Attacks Claim 30 Lives, Spark International Outcry
A devastating wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv has left a trail of destruction, claiming at least 30 lives and injuring over 170. The attacks, which unfolded overnight on June 17, targeted the Ukrainian capital and surrounding areas, prompting widespread condemnation.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The aftermath of the strikes saw extensive search and rescue operations. According to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, the efforts in the Solomianskyi district lasted for more than 39 hours. Over 400 State Emergency Service rescuers and 200 pieces of equipment were deployed.
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Initial reports from Ukraine’s National Police indicated 15 fatalities and 124 injuries. However, the death toll was revised several times as search teams uncovered more victims. President Volodymyr Zelensky later announced the final count of 30 deaths and 172 injuries during an evening address on June 19.
“Such attacks are pure terrorism. And the whole world, the U.S., and Europe must finally respond as civilized societies respond to terrorists.”
—Volodymyr Zelensky
Recent reports indicate that civilian casualties from Russian attacks in Ukraine have surged by 57% in the past month, underscoring the increasing intensity of the conflict (UN Report).
Scope of the Assault
The almost nine-hour-long assault involved a barrage of aerial weapons. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the launch of 472 aerial weapons overnight, including nearly 280 Shahed-type attack drones and two Kinzhal ballistic missiles, primarily targeting Kyiv.
The city suffered significant damage, with reports from eight districts. Emergency workers continued searching for survivors amidst the rubble of a destroyed apartment block. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that cluster munitions had been found in one area, and June 18 was declared an official day of mourning.
Additional Damage and Impact
A 62-year-old U.S. citizen died in the Solomianskyi district, as reported by Klitschko. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks, calling it a “massive and brutal strike” timed to coincide with the G7 summit.
The strikes extended beyond the capital, with damage and injuries reported in Kyiv Oblast towns. The attacks also affected infrastructure, including a kindergarten, a dormitory at the Kyiv Aviation Institute, and the production facility of a Ukrainian clothing manufacturer. A freight train carrying grain was also hit, causing temporary disruptions.
The recent attacks highlight the escalating intensity of the conflict and the ongoing threat to civilians in Ukraine. The international community is expected to increase pressure on Russia.
