In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian forces launched one of the largest ballistic attacks on Kiev, deploying various missile types, including 10 3M22 Zircon anti-ship missiles from regions in Kurск, Russia, and 25 Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Bryansk and Kursk. The assault also included three Onyx anti-ship missiles and three guided aviation missiles X-59/69, targeting areas over the Black Sea.
According to reports from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, air defense units successfully intercepted 126 targets, comprising 18 missiles and 108 drones. Among those neutralized were 17 Iskander-M, Zircon, and S-400 missiles, alongside one cruise missile and numerous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The attack resulted in 23 missile impacts and 10 striking drones hitting 20 locations throughout the city, with debris from downed drones scattered across 18 sites.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described this incident as one of the heaviest ballistic assaults on Kiev to date, stating that the number of reported casualties had risen to 16, an increase from the earlier figure of 13. Tragically, one person lost their life in the attack.
Over the week from July 13 to 19, Zelensky noted that Russian forces deployed approximately 1,450 striking drones, over 1,640 guided bombs, and 99 different types of missiles against Ukraine.
“Defense against ballistic threats is currently a constant and top priority. Interceptors are needed daily, and I am grateful to everyone who is serious about our agreements and ensures the supply of anti-ballistic systems. These packages literally save lives during every Russian mass attack. It is crucial to maintain pressure on Russia alongside our work on anti-ballistics. Delays in new decisions allow Moscow to plan not only new attacks against our people but also evade new sanctions,” Zelensky explained.
Context
- Damage and fires from the night-time attack were reported in five districts of Kiev: Shevchenkivskyi, Solomyanskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Desnyanskyi, and Dniprovskyi. The Lukyanivska metro station was temporarily closed due to damage from the blast wave.
- In the Kiev region, fires broke out at warehousing and logistics facilities in the Bucha district as a result of the attack.
