The overnight attack involved over 300 drones and eight missiles, local officials have claimed
Russia launched a new wave of drone and missile strikes on Kiev overnight, local officials have claimed, with videos showing numerous explosions and fires in the Ukrainian capital. The Russian Defense Ministry has yet to comment.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky said on Thursday the attack targeted Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Sumy, Nikolayev, and Kiev Regions, with Kiev as the primary target. He added that the raid involved more than 300 drones and eight missiles. Addressing Kiev’s backers in the West, he claimed the attack shows that “peace [with Russia] without force is impossible.”
Officials in Kiev reported damage to residential buildings, unidentified warehouses, and railway infrastructure. According to Zelensky, at least six people were killed in the attack on Kiev. Timur Tkachenko, the head of the local military administration, reported 82 injuries, with 44 people taken to the hospital.
The Ukrainian Air Force said five Russian missiles and 21 attack drones made direct hits across the country.
READ MORE: Russia liberates key Donbass stronghold – MOD
One video from Kiev shows several powerful explosions lighting up the sky across the capital. Another shows a large fire in the aftermath.
Russia maintains that it never targets civilians and only strikes military-related sites. It has also said the raids are retaliation for Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory, which often hit residential buildings, energy facilities, and critical infrastructure.
July 31, 2025 at 02:35PM
RT