In the early hours of June 10, Russian forces launched a massive combined missile and drone assault targeting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and the nearby city of Vasylkiv in Kyiv Oblast.
This large-scale strike caused widespread destruction across eight districts in Kyiv. Residential buildings, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, garages, tram lines, and public transport infrastructure all sustained damage. Several fires broke out, requiring firefighters to use helicopters to contain the blazes. Multiple streets were closed, and public transportation routes were rerouted throughout the city.
Tragically, at least two people were confirmed killed in the Podil district: a 68-year-old woman and a 22-year-old female police corporal who served in the city’s metro police force. Sixteen others were reported injured, with authorities warning that the death toll is expected to rise as emergency workers continue searching damaged buildings.
Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, stated that police teams are conducting door-to-door searches to ensure no one is left without assistance. Emergency command posts have been set up at strike locations, where police are guarding the perimeters, documenting evidence of what Ukraine describes as a war crime, and helping evacuate residents.
The attacks have also caused a significant air quality crisis in Kyiv. Heavy smoke now blankets the city, with air quality index readings peaking at 156 in some neighborhoods — more than three times the safe limit of 50. Authorities urged residents to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activities.
Despite clear evidence of strikes on civilian areas, Russian state media continues to claim that civilian casualties were caused by Ukrainian air defense systems. Russian propaganda further accuses Kyiv of “rejecting peace,” citing Ukraine’s refusal to sign a so-called “peace memorandum” from Moscow — a document widely seen as a call for surrender.
By 9 a.m. local time, the Ukrainian State Emergency Service reported the following district-level updates:
Shevchenkivskyi District: Fires broke out on rooftops, balconies, and technical floors of residential and office buildings. Several people were injured.
Solomianskyi District: Fires engulfed administrative and warehouse facilities. Cleanup and recovery operations are still underway.
Darnytskyi District: Debris fell on a garage complex, igniting gas stations and garages. Parts of the wreckage also landed in a residential courtyard. No injuries were reported, and the fires have been extinguished.
Podilskyi, Obolonskyi, and Desnianskyi Districts: Falling debris damaged various infrastructure. The Podil district reported fatalities.
Roughly 400 emergency workers and 90 specialized vehicles, including high-rise rescue units and bomb disposal teams, were deployed to manage the aftermath.
