On the night of 5–6 July, Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine, firing 68 missiles and 351 attack drones at Kyiv. Fourteen people were killed, dozens were injured, and damage was reported at more than ten locations across the capital.
- Russia attacked Ukraine with 68 missiles and 351 attack drones.
- Eleven people were killed in Kyiv, and around 60 more were injured.
- Three people have died and 16 have been injured in the Kyiv region.
- Zelenskyy has called on allies to urgently strengthen air defence capabilities.
- The problem is a shortage of missiles for the Patriot systems.
A massive attack on the capital
According to the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky, Kyiv was the main target of the Russian attack. The enemy simultaneously launched dozens of missiles of various types and hundreds of attack drones. Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in various parts of the city were damaged. Rescue workers, medics, police and utility services are working at the sites of the strikes.
As of this morning, 64 people, including two children, had been rescued. According to preliminary figures, 11 people have died in the capital, and a further 60 or so have been injured.
The aftermath of the attack in the Kyiv region
Apart from the capital, Russian attack affected the Kyiv region. According to Zelenskyy, three people were killed and 16 injured in the Kyiv region; a large-scale fire is ongoing in Vyshneve following a missile strike, and residents of the private housing sector are being evacuated. Over 400 rescue workers and police officers have been deployed to deal with the aftermath.
The problem with air defence
The President emphasised that Ukrainian air defence forces had demonstrated a high level of effectiveness in repelling the attack, successfully destroying a significant number of attack drones and cruise missiles. At the same time, he noted, that Ballistic missiles remain the main problem, which require missiles for the Patriot systems to intercept.
“As long as the Patriot missiles remain in our allies‘ warehouses, this only encourages Russia to continue ’targeting” residential buildings,” said Zelenskyy.
Expectations for the NATO summit
The President called on the US and European partners to take strong measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences during NATO summit in Ankara. According to him, Ukraine needs additional interceptor missiles and modern air defence systems to protect the civilian population from further large-scale attacks.
