KYIV: Ukraine and Russia pledged fresh strikes on Friday after a massive Russian missile and drone assault on Kyiv killed at least 27 people, damaged residential buildings and forced tens of thousands of residents to seek shelter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that Kyiv would “definitely” respond to the overnight bombardment as he visited a heavily damaged apartment block in the capital.
The attack prompted renewed international condemnation. António Guterres denounced the strikes on civilians, while the European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she would propose additional sanctions against Russia.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of anti-ballistic capabilities – a shortage of Patriots – while Putin still intends to “vanquish” residential buildings rather than end his war.
We have been discussing licenses for the production of Patriots with the U.S. Administration for a… pic.twitter.com/jAA95ITkcD
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 2, 2026
Zelensky also renewed calls for greater Western military support, urging the United States to approve licences allowing Ukraine to manufacture missiles for the US-made Patriot air defence system.
Kyiv Hit by Largest Attack in Years
Russian forces launched 496 drones and 74 missiles, including ballistic missiles, in one of the largest aerial assaults since the war began more than four years ago, according to Ukraine’s air force. It said Ukrainian defences intercepted 48 missiles and 476 drones.
Explosions echoed across Kyiv throughout the night, with residents rushing into metro stations and underground shelters as missiles and drones struck residential neighbourhoods.
The response to the aftermath of Russia’s attack is still ongoing in Kyiv: first responders are clearing the rubble, searching for people, and providing assistance. Damage has been reported at more than 20 sites across the city, most of them ordinary residential buildings. There… pic.twitter.com/rtfrS1gFVU
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 2, 2026
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as the “enemy’s most massive attack on the capital.”
The head of Kyiv’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said 27 people were killed and 91 others injured.
Ukraine’s Ukrainian Red Cross Society said one of its main warehouses had been destroyed, resulting in the loss of humanitarian supplies worth around $2 million.
The European Union also said debris from the attack damaged a building housing several diplomats, although no EU personnel were injured.
In the central city of Kryvyi Rih, two people were wounded after a missile struck a densely populated area early on Friday.
Civilians Take Shelter
Thousands of Kyiv residents spent the night in underground metro stations as air raid sirens sounded across the city.
The Kyiv metro said around 52,000 people, including 4,500 children, sought refuge underground during the attack — the highest number recorded in recent years.
Residents described scenes of destruction and uncertainty after apartment blocks were hit.
One resident, Sabina Mambetova, whose home was severely damaged, said she had been left homeless with her child.
Doctors, families and elderly residents remained in shelters for hours as repeated explosions shook the city.
International Response
The United Nations again called for an immediate ceasefire.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure were clear violations of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.
Kallas said the latest strikes demonstrated the need for additional European sanctions against Moscow.
A US official said President Donald Trump continued to support efforts to secure a peace agreement to end what the administration described as the “senseless killing” in Ukraine.
Russia Signals More Pressure
Despite international condemnation, the Kremlin said it would continue increasing military pressure on Ukraine.
The latest assault came after Zelensky cut short a visit to Dublin, saying Ukrainian intelligence had warned of an impending large-scale Russian strike.
He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of preparing the attack over an extended period.
Ukraine has also intensified long-range drone strikes inside Russia in recent weeks, targeting military facilities and energy infrastructure. Russian authorities have reported repeated attacks in border regions and said their air defences intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones in recent days.
