Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Missile and Drone Strike Collapses Kyiv Apartment Building (Watch Videos)
A massive overnight Russian missile and drone barrage struck Ukraine’s capital early Thursday morning, causing the partial collapse of a nine-story residential building and leaving civilians trapped beneath the rubble. Emergency crews launched immediate search-and-rescue operations following the direct hit in the Desnyanskyi district.
A large-scale Russian missile and drone attack struck Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, early Thursday, causing part of a nine-storey residential apartment building to collapse and leaving several residents trapped beneath the rubble. Ukrainian authorities said emergency crews were deployed immediately to carry out search-and-rescue operations as explosions and fires were reported across multiple parts of the city.
Residential Building Suffers Heavy Damage
Officials said the strike severely damaged the apartment block, with a section of the building collapsing after it was hit. Rescue workers, firefighters and medical teams rushed to the site to search for survivors and assist those injured in the attack. Vladimir Putin Visits China To Reaffirm Russia Ties As Chinese President Xi Jinping Seeks Stable US Relations After Donald Trump Summit.
Kyiv Apartment Block Partially Collapses After Russian Missile and Drone Attack
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said emergency services remained at the scene, while local authorities warned that additional people could still be trapped under the debris.
Multiple Districts Hit Across Kyiv
The overnight barrage triggered explosions in several districts of Kyiv, damaging residential and commercial buildings and sparking fires. Authorities reported casualties and injuries, including among emergency responders, as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles and drones. Air raid alerts remained in effect during the attack, prompting many residents to seek shelter in metro stations and underground facilities. Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Launches Biggest Air Barrage Since Invasion, 24 Dead in Kyiv Apartment Attack.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency personnel continued clearing debris from the collapsed building while using specialised equipment to locate anyone trapped beneath the wreckage. Medical teams treated the injured, and authorities urged residents to stay away from affected areas to allow rescue efforts to continue safely.
Officials said casualty figures could change as search operations progressed.
Attack Comes Amid Escalating Hostilities
The strike is among the latest in a series of intensified Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. It followed renewed cross-border attacks and continued fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces, underscoring the ongoing escalation in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cut short an overseas visit following intelligence warnings of a possible large-scale attack, while authorities across the country remained on high alert.
Background
Russia has continued to launch missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Kyiv has frequently been targeted despite strengthened air defences, with residential buildings and civilian infrastructure repeatedly affected during large-scale aerial assaults. The latest strike highlights the continuing risks faced by civilians as the conflict enters another year.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2026 10:06 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).