Context:

Kyiv experienced its deadliest attack in nearly a year as Russian forces launched drones and missiles, killing at least 14 people, including an American, and injuring over 100. This attack, part of an intensified Russian air assault, coincided with a Group of 7 summit in Canada, where Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the global response to Russia's actions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting many drones and missiles, but significant damage and civilian casualties were still inflicted. The attacks have exacerbated the strain on Ukraine's air defenses and civilian morale, with many spending nights in shelters. Despite ongoing negotiations, Russia continues its military advances, capturing significant territory and showing little interest in pursuing peace talks.

Dive Deeper:

• The Russian attack on Kyiv, involving 440 drones and 32 missiles, marked the deadliest incident in the capital in almost a year, resulting in 14 deaths and over 100 injuries, with significant destruction reported at more than two dozen sites.

• During a Group of 7 summit in Canada, President Zelensky of Ukraine condemned the inadequate global response to Russia's actions and sought increased support and sanctions against Russia, while U.S. President Trump echoed support for Putin.

• The Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have intercepted the majority of the drones and about three-quarters of the missiles; however, these figures remain unverified, and the attacks have severely impacted civilian life in urban centers.

• The attack has been part of a broader pattern of intensified Russian assaults, with Moscow launching more than 400 drones and missiles in a single night for the fourth time in a month, significantly increasing civilian casualties compared to the previous year.

• Residents of Kyiv, like Evgeniy Povarenkov and Tetiana Pokholovich, recounted their harrowing experiences during the attack, highlighting the destruction of homes and the psychological toll of continuous bombardment.

• Despite international negotiations, Russia is not showing genuine interest in a cease-fire and continues to advance militarily, capturing significant territory in Ukraine, and reinforcing the belief that Putin aims to conquer rather than negotiate.

• The ongoing conflict has led to increased civilian casualties, with the United Nations reporting a 50% rise in deaths and injuries in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the war.