Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Kyiv on July 2, firing 74 missiles and 496 drones in one of the deadliest strikes on the Ukrainian capital since the start of the war. At least 21 people were killed, and more than 90 were injured, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack caused widespread destruction, damaging around 130 buildings, including residential areas and infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who cut short his visit to Ireland, visited the site of a partially destroyed nine-story residential building. He criticized allies for not delivering promised air defenses in a timely manner, stating that more lives could have been saved if the supplies had arrived as agreed. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the interception rate for ballistic missiles was low due to shortages of Patriot missiles.
Russia claimed the attack was retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil infrastructure, targeting military and energy facilities, as well as airports in Kyiv and other locations. Ukrainian officials, however, accused Russia of deliberately striking civilian areas, including residential buildings and a medical facility. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a day of mourning and reported extensive damage across the city.
The attack marked the widest destruction in Kyiv so far in 2026 and was the deadliest strike on the capital since May, when 24 people were killed in a similar attack. Residents described the night as terrifying, with explosions shaking central Kyiv for hours as thousands sought shelter in bomb shelters and underground metro stations.