Fact Check: "Kyiv's June 17 attack is one of the largest since Russia's invasion began."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Kyiv experienced a significant missile and drone attack from Russian forces, which resulted in at least 28 fatalities and over 100 injuries, making it one of the deadliest assaults on the city since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that the attack involved 440 drones and 32 missiles, targeting various locations across the capital, including residential buildings and critical infrastructure (BBC). The strikes lasted for more than nine hours, prompting residents to seek shelter as explosions rocked the city (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that the June 17 attack is one of the largest since the invasion is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC describes the attack as among the biggest on Kyiv since the beginning of the war, highlighting the extensive damage and high casualty figures. Similarly, NPR corroborates this by stating that it was one of the largest Russian attacks in months, with significant destruction to residential areas and a high number of casualties (NPR).
The reliability of these sources is high; both the BBC and NPR are well-established news organizations known for their rigorous journalistic standards. They provide detailed accounts of the events, including eyewitness reports and official statements from Ukrainian officials, which lend credibility to their coverage.
However, it is important to note that casualty figures can fluctuate as rescue operations continue and more information becomes available. Initial reports indicated varying death tolls, but the consensus across reports indicates a significant loss of life and destruction, reinforcing the claim's validity.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The June 17 attack on Kyiv is indeed one of the largest since the beginning of Russia's invasion, as evidenced by the high number of casualties and the scale of destruction reported by multiple reliable sources.
