14 killed in worst Russian strikes on Kyiv in weeks

KYIV, Ukraine (June 17, 2025) – A wave of Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv overnight, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 55, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes mark the deadliest assault on Ukraine’s capital in several weeks.

Kyiv’s air raid sirens began blaring late Monday and lasted into the early hours of Tuesday. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the alarms signaled a potential ballistic missile threat. The non-stop alerts created a sleepless night for thousands of residents.

Ukrainian emergency officials said more than 40 people required hospitalization due to injuries caused by debris and building collapses. Vitaliy Klitschko, Kyiv’s mayor, warned that the death toll could rise.

“We hope that no dead will be found under the rubble,” Klitschko said on Telegram. “But we cannot rule it out.”

A U.S. citizen was among those killed, the mayor confirmed. The 62-year-old man died in the Solomyanskyi district in a building across from an active rescue site. Officials did not release additional information.

Video footage shared by CNN showed charred apartment buildings and piles of rubble. Paramedics worked through the night to pull survivors from collapsed structures. Smoke rose from shattered rooftops, and burnt vehicles littered the streets.

This attack comes just months after a massive April bombardment. At that time, Russia launched 70 missiles and 145 drones across Ukraine, killing 12 people and injuring at least 90.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 440 drones and 32 missiles hit the country overnight. Nearly 30 separate locations were targeted, according to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

“Rescuers, police and medics are working,” Klymenko said. “They are doing everything they can to help the victims, clear the rubble and save lives.”

Tuesday’s attack underscores the intensifying pace of Russian operations. Zelensky has repeatedly called for stronger Western support as Ukraine struggles to defend its skies.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions also flared on the diplomatic front. U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada one day early. His departure meant skipping a planned meeting with Zelensky.

It would have been their third meeting since Trump returned to office in January. Ukrainian officials viewed the scheduled sit-down as critical.

A senior aide to Zelensky, speaking anonymously, said the missed meeting is “a blow to momentum.” Ukraine hoped to solidify aid commitments amid growing Russian aggression.

Trump’s administration has taken a different approach to the conflict. The U.S. has reduced direct military support to Ukraine and pressured European allies to shoulder more responsibility.

Last month, Trump threatened to withdraw entirely from peace negotiations unless NATO members increased their financial contributions.

While Ukraine’s capital burned, Russia also deepened ties with its few remaining allies. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu landed in North Korea on Tuesday, in what Russian state media called a “special mission.”

Shoigu plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the TASS news agency. The visit follows reports that Pyongyang continues to provide weapons and troops to support Russia’s war effort.

An international watchdog, the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, reported in May that North Korea had sent millions of munitions to Russia. These included missiles and rockets.

U.S. officials warn that Russia may be offering satellite and space technology in return. “We’re deeply concerned,” a State Department spokesperson said. “Sharing advanced tech with North Korea undermines global security.”

Despite mounting civilian casualties, Ukraine remains firm. “Every life matters,” Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We will not stop fighting for peace and justice.”

International aid groups have renewed calls for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The United Nations said it is mobilizing resources to support those displaced by Tuesday’s attacks.

“The world cannot turn its back,” said a statement from the UN Humanitarian Office. “Civilians are paying the highest price.”

As Ukraine braces for further strikes, its leaders continue to seek global solidarity. The country’s survival, they say, depends not only on defense but on the world’s willingness to stand with them.

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