At least 24 people were killed and 134 injured in a devastating overnight assault on Ukraine’s capital as Russian forces launched one of the most extensive missile and drone attacks of the war, striking residential areas and public infrastructure across Kyiv.

The assault, which lasted nearly nine hours, began late on June 17 and continued into the early hours of June 18. According to Ukraine's Air Force, 472 aerial weapons were launched, including 280 Shahed-type kamikaze drones, multiple cruise and ballistic missiles, and two Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

The Ukrainian Air Defense successfully intercepted 428 air targets, including 239 Shahed drones, 15 Kh-101 cruise missiles, and one Kinzhal missile. Another Kinzhal was reportedly lost from radar tracking.

A significant portion of the casualties occurred in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district, where a Russian missile struck a nine-story residential building, collapsing a large section of the structure. Among the victims was a 62-year-old U.S. citizen, who died in a nearby building during rescue operations.

Emergency workers continued to search the rubble for survivors throughout the night and into the morning. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared June 18 a day of mourning for the capital.

Further damage was reported in eight districts of Kyiv, including Shevchenkivskyi and Darnytskyi. A dormitory at the Kyiv Aviation Institute was also struck by drones, with impacts on its upper floors and widespread damage to windows.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as “one of the most horrifying assaults on Kyiv,” emphasizing that it was part of a deliberate terror campaign targeting civilians.

“Such attacks are pure terrorism,” Zelensky wrote on social media. “And the whole world, the U.S., and Europe must finally respond as civilized societies respond to terrorists.”

The assault extended beyond the capital, affecting towns in Kyiv Oblast, where several homes were damaged and at least one civilian was injured. The State Emergency Service and Kyiv City Military Administration remain on high alert as cleanup and rescue operations continue.

International observers and humanitarian groups have called for increased support to Ukraine and renewed discussions about bolstering its air defense systems amid growing fears of renewed escalation by Russia. (ILKHA)