The Independent
·Jul 2026
‘We will rebuild’: Ukrainians defiant after Russia ‘unleashes hell’ on Kyiv with deadly strikes killing 21
Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv killed 21 people, injured dozens and caused widespread destruction in one of the biggest attacks on the city this year. Residents and local officials described scenes of shock as residential buildings, a kindergarten and other structures were hit, with emergency crews continuing to search for survivors. Volodymyr Zelensky urged increased air‑defence support from allies after cutting short a foreign trip. Russia claimed the strikes targeted military and energy facilities, while Ukrainian officials said most incoming weapons were intercepted. EU leaders called for tougher sanctions on organisations supporting Russia’s military industry as Ukraine continued counterstrikes on Russian energy infrastructure.