Fact Check: "Russia's June 17 attack on Kyiv killed at least 23 people."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, a significant Russian missile and drone attack targeted Kyiv, resulting in substantial casualties. Reports indicate that the attack killed at least 15 people and injured over 156, according to the Associated Press. However, subsequent updates from various sources indicate that the death toll rose significantly. By June 18, the CNN reported that at least 28 people had been killed, with 23 of those fatalities occurring in a multi-story residential building that was directly hit. The Ukrainian State Emergency Service confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing, and more bodies were expected to be found under the rubble, indicating that the situation was still evolving.
Analysis
The claim that "Russia's June 17 attack on Kyiv killed at least 23 people" is partially true. Initial reports from the day of the attack cited a death toll of 15, but as rescue operations continued, the number of confirmed deaths increased. The Kyiv Independent and other outlets later reported that the death toll had risen to 28, with 23 individuals confirmed dead from the collapsed residential building alone. This discrepancy highlights the fluid nature of casualty figures in the immediate aftermath of such attacks, where the situation can change rapidly as rescue efforts progress.
The sources reporting on this incident vary in their reliability. The Associated Press and CNN are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting, while other sources like the Kyiv Independent also have a reputation for credible coverage of the conflict. However, the rapid updates and varying figures reflect the chaotic nature of war reporting, where initial numbers may be revised as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
The claim that "Russia's June 17 attack on Kyiv killed at least 23 people" is partially true. While initial reports confirmed 15 deaths, subsequent updates indicated that the total number of fatalities had risen to 28, with 23 deaths specifically attributed to the attack on a residential building. This illustrates the importance of ongoing verification in conflict reporting, as casualty figures can change as rescue operations unfold.
Sources
- Overnight Russian attack on Ukraine kills 15 and injures 156
- 28 killed in deadliest Russian strikes on Kyiv in almost a year
- Russia kills at least 18 in strikes on Kyiv, other cities
- 'A brutal strike' — Massive Russian missile and drone ...
- Death Toll From Russian Attack on Kyiv Rises to 28
- Kyiv rescuers find more bodies as death toll from latest ...
- The death toll from the massive attack on Kyiv has risen to ...
