One of the largest ballistic missile attacks since the start of the war struck Kyiv overnight on Saturday, July 18, 2026. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at least one person was killed and 16 others injured in the assault.
Russian Forces Fire 41 Missiles and 125 Drones
Russia launched 41 missiles — the highest number of ballistic missiles deployed in a single attack since the war began — along with 125 attack drones, most targeting Ukraine’s capital. The Ukrainian military reported shooting down 18 missiles and 108 drones during the operation.
Widespread Damage Across Kyiv
Powerful explosions rocked multiple neighborhoods in Kyiv, damaging residential apartment buildings, warehouses, a supermarket, and a hotel, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. He confirmed three people remain in serious condition.
Zelenskyy emphasized that defense against ballistic missiles remains Ukraine’s top priority, calling the strike a ‘brutal terrorist attack.’ Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s acting Foreign Minister, condemned the scale of the assault — describing it as the largest ballistic missile barrage to date — and called for strong international pressure on Moscow to end what he termed ‘this terror.’
Ukrainian Counter-Strike in the Black Sea
In a coordinated response, Ukrainian forces targeted two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea and a floating crane in the Sea of Azov overnight, according to Kyiv’s General Staff. All three vessels were reportedly used to support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.