Early this morning, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against Ukraine, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Explosions rocked Kyiv, sparking fires in at least 4 districts. Residential buildings, supermarkets, a kindergarten, and a subway station were among the structures ablaze. Kyiv military administration head, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed at least one fatality and one injury.
The Ukrainian Air Force Command has not yet released information regarding the number of weapons deployed by Russia or the interception rate of Ukrainian air defenses.
"This was one of the largest Geran-2 drone attacks to date. Dozens of drones targeted key military-industrial sites, including the Artem defense plant and Zhulyany airport," reported DD Geopolitics, an X account specializing in information about the war in Ukraine.
The Artem defense plant, located on the outskirts of Kyiv, manufactures air-to-air missiles, auxiliary systems, anti-tank missiles, and aviation equipment for the Ukrainian military. Zhulyany International Airport, in the Solomiansky district, houses a Patriot air defense battery protecting Kyiv.
AMK Mapping, an open-source intelligence X account focused on the war, reported that Russia launched a total of 36 missiles, including 21 Kh-101 and Kalibr long-range cruise missiles, 6 Kh-59 tactical cruise missiles, one Iskander-M ballistic missile, and 4 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The number of Geran-2 drones deployed remains unknown.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the reports.
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Fires in Kyiv following the Russian attack on the morning of 21/7. Image: X/DD Geopolitics |
Russia has recently intensified large-scale missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, targeting cities far from the front lines previously considered safe. Ukraine is investing heavily in drone interception technology, notably the $6.2 million "Clear Sky" project designed to protect Kyiv.
Ukraine also regularly launches drone attacks on Russian territory. On 20/7, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 172 Ukrainian drones, including 30 over Moscow, in the preceding 12 hours.
On 19/7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a new round of direct talks with Russia this week. Moscow has repeatedly expressed willingness to resume negotiations, but remains committed to its objectives in the "special military operation."
Pham Giang (According to AFP, Kyiv Independent, Ukrainska Pravda)
