Russian Airstrikes Claim Lives in Kyiv Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a continuation of hostilities, Russian airstrikes targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and multiple injuries. The airstrikes occurred overnight on July 21, 2025, with reports indicating extensive damage to residential buildings, including a high-rise apartment complex, a supermarket, and a kindergarten facility.
The military administration of Kyiv reported that emergency teams responded promptly to the scenes of destruction, where several fires erupted due to the explosions. The capital's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, urged residents to remain in shelters as air defense systems remained active during the assault.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated through social media that the total casualties included two deaths and fifteen injuries across the affected regions, which extended beyond Kyiv to areas such as Kharkiv in the northeast and Ivano-Frankivsk in the west. The mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk described the incident as the most severe attack since the onset of the war.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the scale of the attack involved 426 drones and drone decoys launched by Russia, alongside five hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and 19 various cruise missiles. The air defense successfully intercepted over 400 of these drones and decoys, as well as a significant number of the missiles aimed at Ukrainian territories.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes have reportedly disrupted operations at several Russian airports, causing significant delays and cancellations. Thousands of passengers were stranded due to the chaos, with reports of long queues at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and other regional airports. In response, the Russian aviation authority temporarily restricted air traffic at major airports in the capital.
On the diplomatic front, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is visiting Ukraine for two days to reinforce France's support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. His agenda includes discussions on military assistance and a visit to the Chernobyl nuclear facility, which has been under threat from the ongoing hostilities.
Additionally, Russia has intensified its espionage efforts in Germany, as reported by the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), which noted a significant rise in surveillance activities reminiscent of Cold War tactics.
In light of these developments, a meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group is scheduled, bringing together representatives from around 50 nations to discuss military support for Ukraine. This ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with both sides reporting heavy losses and extensive damage.