In the early hours of July 21, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv using missiles and drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported two fatalities. According to the head of the city’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, seven people were injured. He stated that civilian infrastructure and residential areas were hit. The most severe damage occurred in the Darnytskyi district, where fires broke out at a kindergarten, a supermarket, warehouses, and other non-residential buildings. In the Shevchenkivskyi district, a residential apartment building and the Lukianivska metro station were damaged. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched 426 drones—both attack drones and decoys—along with 24 missiles of various types overnight. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 200 Shahed drones and "the vast majority of missiles." Another 203 drone decoys, according to the military, failed to reach their targets. This article documents the aftermath of the strike on Kyiv.
Rescue workers respond to a fire in a residential building in Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district following the Russian strike.
Kyiv. July 21, 2025.
A Kyiv resident inside a damaged apartment after the Russian attack.
The entrance to Lukianivska metro station was damaged in the attack.
Kyiv residents shelter in an underground parking garage during the Russian strike.
A bus stop near the metro station was destroyed in the attack.
During the Russian airstrike, Kyiv residents sheltered in the metro.
Kyiv residents shelter in an underground parking garage during the Russian strike.
A bus stop near the metro station was destroyed in the attack.
A drone explodes over Kyiv during the Russian attack.
Look—This Is What War Looks Like
Massive Strike on Ukraine Leaves 28 Dead and Dozens Injured
Kyiv, Odesa, and Seven Other Regions Targeted in Attack Involving Over 440 Drones and 32 Missiles
"Over 40 Explosions in Ninety Minutes"
Russia Launches Its Most Intense Strike on Kharkiv Since the War Began
"Everyone Got Worried, Expressed Sympathy, Condemned Russia—Then Went Back to Their Lives. While We’re Dying Here. Every Day"
What Dnipro Residents Say About the Russian Missile Strike and a Global Response That’s Become Routine
