Fact Check: "Russia launched over 440 drones and 32 missiles in a single attack."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 440 drones and 32 missiles in a significant attack on Kyiv. This incident resulted in substantial casualties, with reports indicating that at least 14 to 15 people were killed and over 100 injured due to the bombardment, which targeted residential areas and caused extensive damage to buildings, including a nine-story apartment block (source-3, source-7).
The attack was characterized as one of the deadliest assaults on Kyiv in the ongoing conflict, with officials describing it as "pure terrorism" and one of the most horrific attacks of the war (source-5, source-8).
Analysis
The claim that Russia launched over 440 drones and 32 missiles is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including statements from Ukrainian officials and reports from international news agencies. The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the assertion. For instance, both CBS News and Ukrinform confirm the numbers provided by Zelenskyy, indicating a coordinated and large-scale offensive.
However, it is essential to consider the context and potential biases in reporting. Ukrainian sources may have a vested interest in emphasizing the scale of the attack to garner international support and sympathy. Nonetheless, the corroboration from various independent news outlets, such as WBAL and Reuters, suggests that the figures are accurate and reflect the severity of the situation.
The attack's timing, coinciding with failed peace talks, may also indicate a strategic decision by Russia to escalate military actions, further complicating the situation on the ground (source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that "Russia launched over 440 drones and 32 missiles in a single attack" is True. This conclusion is based on consistent reporting from multiple credible sources, including direct statements from Ukrainian officials and independent news agencies that confirm the scale and impact of the attack.
Sources
- Russia kills at least 18 in strikes on Kyiv, other cities
- Russia launches more than 440 drones and 32 missiles in ...
- Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine kills 15, ...
- Kyiv: Russian attacks kill 10, injure over 100
- Russian drone, missile attack on Ukraine kills 15, including ...
- Kyiv rescuers find more bodies as death toll from latest ...
- Russia launched over 440 drones, 32 missiles at Ukraine
- Russian strikes kill 16 in 'horrific' attack on Kyiv
