Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, experienced a severe overnight air assault by Russia using missiles and drones targeting residential areas, hotels, and infrastructure. The attack caused at least eight deaths and over 30 injuries. President Volodymyr Zelensky cut short his foreign mission and returned home after receiving intelligence reports warning of a major attack.
In the early hours of 2 Jul 2024 GMT+7, the Russian military launched a large-scale airstrike on Kyiv using guided missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, causing loud explosions across the capital and five nearby districts.
Kyiv’s military administration chief, Timur Thakachenko, reported at least eight deaths and damage at over 36 locations citywide. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, added that at least 34 people were injured, including medical personnel and ambulance drivers.
The blasts caused a direct hit on a nine-story apartment building, collapsing its structure from floors one through six. Additionally, a severe fire broke out on the upper floors of a hotel on Shevchenko Street, a main thoroughfare in the city center. Warehouses and student dormitories also suffered heavy damage. It is believed some residents remain trapped under the debris.
This large-scale attack occurred after President Volodymyr Zelensky received intelligence indicating Russia’s preparation for a massive strike, prompting him to cancel a planned visit to Dublin, Ireland, and return to Ukraine immediately.
Zelensky warned in advance, “I urge everyone to be extra cautious and protect yourselves and your families. Please take shelter and strictly follow air raid warnings. This is very important. Vladimir Putin has long prepared this major attack.”
Kyiv was thrown into chaos as many residents fled with children, pets, and essential belongings to crowded subway stations for shelter amid repeated explosions occurring twice within an hour.
The severity of the attack led neighboring NATO and EU member states to issue alerts. The Polish military ordered fighter jets to patrol the airspace temporarily before standing down after confirming no airspace violations. Finland also imposed temporary flight restrictions over the eastern Gulf of Finland.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes deep into Russian territory in recent weeks, targeting energy infrastructure and military sites. Attacks on oil refineries and depots have severely impacted Russia, the world’s third-largest oil producer, causing fuel shortages and forcing Russia to import gasoline from countries like India.
Russian authorities reported their air defenses intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones in recent days. Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, Putin’s birthplace, claimed seven drones were shot down. In Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border, one Russian man died and his wife was injured after a Ukrainian drone struck their home.
The U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published findings indicating that over the more than four-year conflict, combined military casualties exceed two million, with Russia suffering the highest losses. Peace proposals from Zelensky to Putin have been completely rejected by the Kremlin.