Kyiv: Ukraine reported that at least 14 individuals lost their lives in Kyiv following a significant overnight assault by Russia targeting multiple regions within the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ukraine's State Emergency Service stated on Telegram, "As of 7.50 pm (1650GMT) in the Solomianskyi district, the body of one deceased person was uncovered from under the rubble of a nine-story building ... In total, 14 people died and 117 were injured in Kyiv." Initial reports suggested 15 fatalities; however, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko later adjusted this figure to 10, explaining that "operational information is often subject to correction."

Klymenko highlighted that body parts discovered during search and rescue operations could initially be counted as belonging to multiple deceased individuals. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced that a US citizen was among the casualties, a fact later confirmed by the US State Department. Klitschko also declared June 18 as a day of mourning in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labeled the incident as "one of the most horrific attacks," noting that the Kyiv region, along with Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, and Mykolaiv regions, were targeted. Zelenskyy condemned these acts as "pure terrorism" on X, urging the US and Europe to take action.

Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of prolonging the conflict, stating, "Putin does this solely because he can afford to continue the war. He wants the war to go on. It is wrong when the powerful of this world turn a blind eye to it. We are in contact with all partners at every possible level to ensure an appropriate response."

Furthermore, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry alleged that Putin ordered the attack to undermine the Group of Seven leaders, asserting that "He (Putin) is deliberately demonstrating his complete disregard for international peace efforts, especially those of the United States."

Ukraine's Air Force reported that its air defenses successfully downed 239 out of 440 drones and intercepted 26 out of 32 missiles launched by Russia. In contrast, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it had effectively targeted Ukrainian "military-industrial complex facilities" in the Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia regions during the overnight strike.