Russia launches biggest missile and drone attack on Kyiv since the start of the Ukraine war

 KYIV, July 4 – Russia launched its largest drone and missile attack on Kyiv since the start of the war over three years ago, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others, including a child. The overnight assault, which lasted seven hours, caused widespread destruction across the Ukrainian capital.

Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it “very important and productive.” The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, potential joint production of weapons, and broader U.S.-led efforts to end the war. The White House has not yet commented on the call.

The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia fired a total of 550 drones and missiles during the assault, including 11 missiles and hundreds of Shahed drones. Explosions lit up the sky and echoed throughout the city, as people sought shelter underground. Emergency crews removed more than 300 tons of debris, and five ambulances were damaged during rescue efforts.

23-year-old wedding photographer Alya Shahlai, whose home was destroyed, said: “We were in the basement shelter because staying home would’ve been suicidal. Ten minutes after we got there, there was a loud explosion and the lights went out. People were panicking.”

The attack came just days after a previous major strike, showing a clear escalation in Russia’s long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. It also coincides with increased Russian pressure along the 1,000-kilometer front line.

President Zelenskyy said the U.S. had paused some key military aid shipments, including air defense missiles. While European allies are trying to help fill the gap, building up Ukraine’s own arms industry will take time.

During their call, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for continued U.S. support and discussed future defense cooperation, particularly in drone technology. They also talked about joint weapons projects and possible international investment. However, peace talks have made little progress, aside from occasional prisoner exchanges.

On Friday, another exchange took place between Russia and Ukraine, though the number of soldiers involved was not disclosed. Zelenskyy said most of the freed Ukrainians had been captured in 2022 and were seriously ill or wounded.

Meanwhile, Trump said he also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin but was disappointed with the outcome. “I don’t think he’s ready to stop the fighting,” Trump said. Putin, according to his adviser, made clear that Russia will continue its military campaign until it reaches its goals.

As the war drags on, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said June saw a record number of 5,438 drones launched by Russia, along with over 330 missiles. He called the latest attack on Kyiv one of the worst so far. Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described terrified families running to underground shelters and widespread destruction in the capital.

Authorities said debris from intercepted drones fell across at least 33 locations. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that 14 people were hospitalized, and damage was reported in at least five of the city’s 10 districts.

Zelenskyy called the attack a "cynical" act of terror, while Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military production sites in Kyiv. In total, Russia hit targets in five regions: Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv.

Despite Ukraine shooting down 270 of the targets, Russia still successfully hit eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones. Many drones went off radar and are believed to have been jammed.

The war continues with no sign of resolution in sight.