Fact Check: Russian missile attack on Kyiv kills 28, marking deadliest strike this year.

Fact Check: "Russian missile attack on Kyiv kills 28, marking deadliest strike this year."

What We Know

On June 17, 2025, a significant missile attack on Kyiv resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals, including an American citizen, and injured 134 others. This attack was reported as one of the deadliest strikes on the Ukrainian capital for the year 2025 (Washington Post, Reuters). The assault involved a barrage of over 440 drones and 32 missiles, targeting various locations across Ukraine, with the most severe impact felt in Kyiv, where a nine-story residential building was directly hit and subsequently collapsed (AP News, BBC).

Authorities indicated that 23 of the fatalities occurred within the collapsed building, while the remaining five were reported from other areas in the city (Reuters). The attack was characterized by its scale and intensity, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky describing it as one of the largest bombardments of the war (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that the Russian missile attack on Kyiv resulted in 28 deaths and was the deadliest strike of the year is supported by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post and Reuters both confirm the death toll and detail the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the use of drones and missiles. The AP News report provides additional context regarding the impact on civilians, emphasizing the destruction of residential buildings and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are well-established news organizations with a history of reporting on international conflicts. However, it is important to note that the situation in Ukraine is fluid, and casualty figures can change as rescue operations continue and more information becomes available. The reports consistently highlight the scale of the attack and its implications for both local residents and international diplomatic efforts, particularly in light of the concurrent G-7 summit (Reuters, BBC).

While some sources may have varying details regarding the exact number of casualties or the broader context of the conflict, the core claim regarding the death toll and the attack's significance is corroborated across multiple reports.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that a Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed 28 people, marking it as the deadliest strike of the year, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The reports align on the details of the attack, the resulting casualties, and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Sources

1. Russia hits Kyiv with deadliest attack of the year; G-7 avoids ...
2. Kyiv mourns as death toll from Russian strike climbs to 28
3. Kyiv death toll rises to 28 after Russian missile attack
4. Russia kills at least 18 in strikes on Kyiv, other cities
5. Russia's deadliest attack on Kyiv for months flattens part of ...