Russia launched its most lethal attack on Kyiv this year just hours after Donald Trump called for restoring Russia to the G8, killing at least 15 civilians—including a 62-year-old American—and injuring more than 150 in a devastating overnight barrage.
At a Glance
- Russia launched 175 drones, 14 cruise missiles, and 2 ballistic missiles in a coordinated nighttime strike
- At least 15 people were killed, including a 62-year-old American in the Solomianskyi district
- More than 150 civilians were injured; Kyiv declared a day of mourning
- Trump called Russia’s G8 expulsion a “mistake” shortly before the attack
- Zelensky demanded a stronger global response, calling the strike “pure terrorism”
Timing Sparks Global Outrage
On June 17, while attending the G7 summit in Canada, Donald Trump praised Vladimir Putin, arguing Russia should be welcomed back into the G8. Within hours, Russia launched its deadliest air assault of the year, leveling residential buildings and sending fireballs over the Ukrainian capital.
“During the attack on Kyiv, a 62-year-old U.S. citizen died in a dwelling in the Solomianskyi district opposite where medics were providing assistance,” the mayor of Kyiv wrote on Telegram. “Medics noted his clinical, biological death.”
Watch a report: Overnight Russian Attack on Ukraine Kills 15 and Injures 156
A Deliberate and Devastating Strike
Officials said Russia’s coordinated attack included waves of drones and missiles targeting residential infrastructure, schools, and emergency services. A 62-year-old American citizen was among the victims, prompting renewed international concern over civilian casualties and escalation.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, stating that Russia’s actions constitute “state terrorism”. Kyiv officials said no military sites were hit, reinforcing claims that civilians were the intended targets.
Trump Skips Ukraine Session
Despite the timing of the assault, Trump left the G7 summit early and skipped a key session on Ukraine, where Zelensky was expected to brief leaders. Trump has previously minimized the importance of U.S. aid to Ukraine and has yet to comment directly on the civilian deaths following the strike.
With tensions mounting and American lives now lost in Putin’s war of attrition, pressure is growing on global leaders to harden their stance—and clarify whether Trump’s foreign policy vision includes holding Russia accountable.
