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Hundreds of Drones and Missiles Slam Kyiv in Overnight Attack, Killing 1 Person, Injuring At Least 26
In one of the most intense and destructive attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, dozens of ballistic missiles and suicide drones rained down on Kyiv overnight, injuring at least 26 civilians and sparking widespread fires across the city.
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
The combined assault began late on July 3 and continued into the early hours of July 4, targeting multiple residential and infrastructure sites, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko on July 4.
Air raid sirens were first triggered around 5:15 p.m. on July 3 due to drone activity. But the heaviest barrage came hours later, when Russian forces launched a wave of ballistic missiles, including Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and Iskander types, alongside a massive swarm of Shahed-type drones.
UPD. 12:34 p.m. Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office reported that the number of injured civilians in the Russian strike on Kyiv on July 4 increased to 26, including a 10-year-old girl.
UPD2. As of 2:16 p.m. Ukrainian State Emergency Service (SES) reported that they recovered the body of a victim of a combined Russian drone and missile strike on Kyiv from the rubble in the Sviatoshynskyi district.
Kyiv woke up under a cloud of smoke after a 9-hour overnight Russian assault. pic.twitter.com/tYOSBK8SzP
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) July 4, 2025
The Kyiv City Military Administration confirmed that at least eight districts were hit by incoming missiles and drones, or by falling debris.
Fires were reported in high-rise residential buildings, warehouses, garages, and vehicles. In Solomianskyi District, a seven-story building’s roof was engulfed in flames spanning 2,000 square meters. In Sviatoshynskyi, a 14-story apartment building was struck, setting multiple cars ablaze.
“Currently, we know of 23 people injured in the enemy’s attack on the capital,” Klitschko said in an update at 8:17 a.m. “Fourteen of them were hospitalized, the rest received assistance on the spot.”
“Five ambulance vehicles were damaged while responding to calls” from residents caught in the strike zones. “As of now, none of the medics have been injured,” he added.
The Air Force of Ukraine reported that out of 539 drones and 11 missiles launched across the country, air defense units shot down 268 drones and two Iskander-K cruise missiles.
But Kyiv bore the brunt: 63 drones and nine missiles reached the city, resulting in confirmed strikes in at least eight separate areas and drone debris falling in 33 locations.
Among the wounded is a 10-year-old girl, Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko confirmed. Victims range in age from 25 to 57 and are being treated for a range of injuries, including trauma, burns, and lacerations.
Debris struck residential neighborhoods, education centers, and critical infrastructure across the capital’s Dniprovskyi, Solomianskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Holosiivskyi, and Darnytskyi districts.
In one incident, fragments fell in the courtyard of a residential building and a school. Fires also broke out in a warehouse, a car service center, and an administrative building.
Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, called the barrage “one of the worst nights in Kyiv” and noted that it followed closely after Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s phone call with US President Donald Trump.
“Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv. One of the worst so far. Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital. Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does it on purpose,” Sybiha wrote.
He added that Putin clearly shows his complete disregard for the United States and everyone who has called for an end to the war.
“Moscow must be slapped with the toughest sanctions without delay. Ukraine must be provided with all necessary means to defend itself. Stop waiting for peace. Act to achieve peace. Peace through strength,” Sybiha concluded.
Meanwhile, emergency services worked through the night to extinguish fires and clear rubble. Kyiv officials urged residents to keep windows shut due to the high concentration of combustion byproducts in the air.
Earlier, reports emerged that Russian forces began to use a new strike tactic against Ukraine for several months now—a so-called “delayed attack” strategy that poses greater risks to civilians.
