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Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital kills at least 20

Published July 6, 2026 at 2:54 PM UTC

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On July 6, 2026, Russia launched a heavy missile and drone assault on Ukraine, resulting in at least 21 fatalities and numerous injuries, with Kyiv being the primary target. Ukrainian officials reported that 15 people died in the capital city, and six more in the surrounding region. The attack involved 68 missiles and 351 drones, with all 29 ballistic missiles hitting their targets, highlighting critical shortages in Ukraine's air defenses, particularly U.S.-made Patriot missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized this vulnerability and is expected to advocate for additional air defense support at the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey. Russia claimed the attacks targeted military production and repair facilities, although many civilian sites were hit, including residential buildings. These retaliatory Russian strikes follow Ukrainian long-range assaults on Russian infrastructure, including the Omsk oil refinery and energy facilities in Crimea and other regions. Ukrainian forces have been leveraging advanced drone technologies to disrupt Russian logistics but remain hampered by limited resources to fend off ballistic missiles. The U.N. reports more than 16,000 civilian deaths in Ukraine since the war began. Rescue efforts continue in areas affected by missile strikes, as Ukraine reiterates its urgent call for international defense assistance.