Kiev Endures Largest Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Since Invasion Began

KIEV, Ukraine – In the early hours of July 4, 2025, the Ukrainian capital faced its most intense aerial assault since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, as Russian forces launched a record-breaking barrage of missiles and drones that battered the city for over seven hours. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack involved 539 drones and 11 missiles targeting Kiev, resulting in at least 23 injuries and widespread structural damage across multiple districts.

The assault began late Thursday and continued into Friday morning, with explosions lighting up the night sky and air raid sirens blaring throughout the city. Fires broke out in several neighborhoods, sending thick plumes of smoke over Kiev. Emergency services responded to blazes and secondary explosions, with debris blocking major streets and causing significant disruption to public transport. Several metro stations were closed as a precaution, and authorities reported that at least five neighborhoods suffered damage to residential buildings.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as “intentionally massive and cynical,” emphasizing Russia’s ongoing campaign to instill terror and undermine Ukrainian defenses. The timing of the strike, which came just hours after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, drew international attention, though officials stated there was no clear connection between the two events.

Ukrainian air defense units reported successfully downing the majority of the incoming drones and missiles, but the scale of the assault still inflicted severe damage and left many residents shaken. The attack follows a recent pattern of escalating Russian aerial operations, with nearly weekly large-scale strikes targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

As of Friday morning, there were no confirmed fatalities in Kiev, but officials warned that casualty figures could rise as emergency crews continue to assess the damage. The strikes underscore the ongoing volatility of the conflict and highlight the increasing pressure on Ukraine’s air defenses amid delayed deliveries of Western military aid.