Massive Russian missile attack on Kyiv

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Lerato Khumalo

Ukraine war

Massive Russian missile attack on Kyiv – casualties

Updated July 19, 2026 – 9:35 a.mReading time: 2 minutes

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Russia has once again massively attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with missiles. (Source: Efrem Lukatsky/AP/dpa/dpa-bilder)

Russia launches another massive ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital. Explosions do not give residents peace of mind. Several fires break out.

Russia has carried out one of the most massive ballistic missile attacks to date on the capital Kiev in its war against Ukraine. Dozens of explosions, some from anti-aircraft missiles, could be heard during the night in the center of the city of three million people, a reporter on site reported. president Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of one of “the most massive ballistic attacks on Kiev” as well as one dead and 16 injured.

“The enemy fired over 40 missiles of various types, most of which were aimed at the capital, as well as 120 attack drones,” Zelensky said on Telegram. Authorities reported that several houses and cars were destroyed.

mayor Vitali Klitschko informed about impacts and damage in several parts of the city. There were fires. According to Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense, 23 missile strikes and 10 drone strikes were recorded. Accordingly, a large proportion of the flying objects were destroyed.

Zelensky: Missile defense is a priority

The Ukraine has been resisting the Russian invasion for more than four years. With Western help, especially from Germany, the anti-aircraft defense system was modernized. Last complained Kyiv However, about a lack of missiles for the Patriot air defense system to defend against ballistic missiles.

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According to the Ukrainian authorities, there were once again civilian casualties in the new Russian attacks on Kiev. (Source: Efrem Lukatsky/AP/dpa/dpa-bilder)

“Protection against ballistic missiles is currently a constant and top priority,” said Zelensky. “Interceptor missiles are needed every day.” He called on the country’s allies to deliver the promised missile defense systems. “These deliveries literally mean lives saved in every massive Russian attack right now.” In total, Russia deployed around 1,450 drones, more than 1,640 glide bombs and 99 rockets and cruise missiles this week.

Russia reports attacks on logistics centers

The Russian Defense Ministry said that a large postal logistics center for storing weapons components and several factories producing rocket components in Kiev were the targets of the attacks. A center for the storage and distribution of elements for the production of long-range drones was hit in the Kiev region. This information could not be independently verified.

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Russia said it also hit a logistics center for storing weapons components in Kiev. (Source: Efrem Lukatsky/AP/dpa/dpa-bilder)

Also the port infrastructure in the south Black Sea was attacked again, the ministry said Moscow continue with. In the Odessa area, facilities for storing military goods and fuel depots used by the armed forces were attacked. Ukraine – like Russia – does not publish information on damage to objects used for military purposes.