At Least 2 Dead, City Engulfed in Smoke as Russia Pounds Kyiv in Ten-Hour Onslaught
More than a dozen people were wounded, and authorities warn the toll could rise as residents continue to seek medical help. Police are conducting door-to-door searches in affected buildings to ensure no one is left without assistance.
Emergency teams quickly set up operational headquarters at strike locations. Roughly 400 rescue workers and 90 units of fire, engineering, and robotic equipment have been deployed, including climbers and bomb disposal experts.
Police are securing strike zones, documenting evidence of what Kyiv calls a Russian war crime, and helping evacuate residents.
Kyiv region was also hit. Authorities said damage was reported in four districts, where homes and farm buildings caught fire. A 51-year-old man was wounded in the Obukhiv district and hospitalized.
The attack followed a record-setting drone barrage the night before, when Russia launched 728 drones of various types across Ukraine – the highest number since the start of the full-scale invasion. The previous largest strike was on July 4.
Moscow has stepped up airstrikes following peace talks in Istanbul and US President Donald Trump’s call for a ceasefire. Kremlin-linked sources told The New York Times that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Ukraine’s defense could collapse within months.
In late June, the US paused military aid to Ukraine as the Pentagon reviewed its weapons stockpile. Following the intensified Russian strikes, Trump ordered deliveries to resume and is considering sending another Patriot air defense system.
Ukrainians “have to be able to defend themselves.” Trump said. “So many people are dying in that mess.”
Source: Alisa Orlova