Russian missiles hit Kyiv residential building, killing at least 3 and trapping people under rubble
Russia launched waves of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones at the Ukrainian capital early Monday, striking a residential building in the historic Podil district and leaving at least three dead.
The attack
In the early hours of Monday, July 6, Russia launched waves of ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, at Kyiv. More than ten explosions were heard across the city as air defences engaged the incoming weapons. A residential building in the historic Podil district was struck, causing a partial collapse. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that people were trapped between the seventh and ninth floors. Drone debris also fell on other residential buildings in the same area and in other districts, including Darnytsia, where several multistory buildings were damaged and people were believed trapped under rubble. Civilians sought shelter in metro stations as the attack continued.
People are trapped on the seventh to ninth floors.
Casualties and damage
At least three people were killed, according to the Associated Press. Deutsche Welle reported at least eight wounded, with five taken to hospital in Kyiv and three more hospitalised in Bucha. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's City Military Administration, said a residential building in the Podilskyi district partially collapsed and that several multistory buildings in the Darnytsia district were damaged.
These are residential buildings. Places where people slept and lived their ordinary lives.
Preceding attack and warning
The assault came days after a combined Russian attack on Kyiv last Thursday killed at least 30 people, one of the heaviest strikes on the city this year. Hours before Monday's barrage, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned that another large-scale attack was imminent and renewed calls for Western partners to supply more Patriot air defence missiles.
- Combined Russian missile and drone attack kills at least 30 in Kyiv.
- Zelenskyy warns of another imminent large-scale attack and calls for more Patriot missiles.
- Russian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones hit Kyiv; residential building struck, at least 3 dead.
Air defence and international response
Zelenskyy argued that failing to replenish Ukraine's air defences emboldens Russia to prolong the war, now in its fourth year. The attack coincided with a Ukrainian strike on energy infrastructure near Sevastopol in Russian-annexed Crimea, which left the city temporarily without electricity, according to the Moscow-appointed governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev. The NATO summit in Turkey next week, where Zelenskyy is expected to meet US President Donald Trump, is likely to see further discussions on military aid.
Broader context
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones since its full-scale invasion in 2022, making it Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. US-led mediation attempts have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough.
