President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had launched more than 70 missiles and nearly 500 drones in a massive overnight attack on Ukraine, with Kyiv as the primary target.
According to Ukrinform, Zelensky reported this on Telegram.
“In total, Russia launched more than 70 missiles of various types against Ukraine overnight, nearly half of them ballistic missiles, along with almost 500 attack drones, including jet-powered Shaheds. The main strike was directed at Kyiv. Our air defenders managed to shoot down a significant number of the incoming targets, but not all of them,” he said.
Zelensky noted that rescue operations are ongoing in Kyiv, with emergency services clearing rubble, searching for survivors, and providing assistance. He said damage had been recorded at more than 20 locations in the capital, mostly residential buildings, as well as a medical emergency station, a research institute, a hotel, and industrial facilities.
As of now, 13 people have been killed and more than 90 injured in Kyiv. Zelensky also reported additional casualties in other regions, including five injured in Kharkiv region, including a child, and two in Kyiv region. Strikes were also recorded in Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Cherkasy regions.
He stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
“Contributions to the PURL program remain essential – they directly help save lives. Every bilateral agreement we reach with our partners on air defense truly makes a difference. I am grateful to every leader who is helping,” Zelensky said.
He also highlighted the importance of implementing agreements on anti-ballistic production and U.S. decisions on Patriot missile system licensing and further cooperation.
As reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine’s air defense forces neutralized 48 missiles and 476 drones during the massive Russian attack overnight on July 2.
