Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight, targeting major cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Ukrainian officials reported the use of cruise missiles, hypersonic Kinzhal missiles launched from MiG-31K aircraft, and Iranian-made Shahed drones in a coordinated strike that began late on July 20 and continued into the early hours of July 21.
Kyiv: One Dead, Several Injured Across Six Districts
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the capital city sustained damage in six districts, with one man confirmed dead in the Solomianskyi district and at least seven others injured, including a 15-year-old girl. Residential and commercial buildings were affected, along with a kindergarten, garages, and storage facilities.
Fires broke out in multiple locations. In the Shevchenkivskyi district, drone debris ignited a balcony and an open area of 150 square meters. In the Dniprovskyi district, commercial structures were engulfed in flames covering an area of 500 square meters. Emergency services also extinguished fires in garages and preschool buildings in the Darnytskyi district and responded to drone debris-related fires in the Sviatoshynskyi district.
The Lukiianivska metro station sustained damage and was temporarily closed before resuming limited operations.
Ivano-Frankivsk: City Endures Its Heaviest Attack Since 2022
Ivano-Frankivsk officials reported the most extensive aerial attack on the city since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Airstrikes and drone attacks damaged infrastructure in at least three villages. Fires consumed garages and vehicles on a parking lot spanning 220 square meters, and a warehouse area of 300 square meters was also hit. Four people, including a child, were injured.
Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv called the assault “one of the most serious” to date, citing widespread destruction and emergency response efforts that continued through the morning.
Kharkiv: Twelve Drone Strikes in a Single Night
In Kharkiv, authorities reported 12 drone strikes, primarily targeting the Kievan district. Explosions damaged high-rise residential buildings, disrupted tram services, and destroyed parts of the city’s power infrastructure. A fire also broke out at a civilian industrial facility.
Poland Responds to Escalation
In response to the proximity of the Russian strikes, Poland’s military command confirmed the deployment of fighter jets. The move was described as a precaution to ensure airspace security near the Polish-Ukrainian border. No violations of Polish airspace were reported.
Ongoing Response and Aftermath
More than a dozen fires were reported across affected areas. Emergency services across Ukraine remain on high alert. Authorities warned that casualty numbers could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
