Russian missile pierces Kyiv high-rise, 14 dead, 44 injured PHOTO/UPDATED

In the early hours of June 17, the Russian military launched a combined assault on Kyiv, deploying both drones and ballistic missiles.

Speaking from the scene of one of the strikes in the Solomensky district, Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko provided initial details of the attack.

According to Klymenko, preliminary assessments indicate that Russian forces targeted a nine-story residential building in the district with a ballistic missile.

“The strike was so powerful that the missile passed through all nine floors,” Klymenko said.

Search and rescue teams have already begun operations at the site, though the minister warned that such efforts could continue for at least another day.

Klymenko confirmed that 14 people were killed in Kyiv during the attack, while another 44 sustained injuries.

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A major Russian combined strike on Kyiv has left 14 people dead, according to preliminary data provided by Timur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

“According to initial information, there are 14 dead in Kyiv. This figure is still being verified,” Tkachenko wrote on Telegram, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

He described the night as another harrowing experience for the capital. Emergency response teams are currently operating at the impacted sites.

“Kyiv endured another difficult night. Another attack has brought more casualties, destroyed homes, deep anxiety and suffering. Rescue operations are still underway to find people trapped under the rubble,” Tkachenko stated.

He added that he was personally present at one of the sites hit by the strikes. “Rescuers, medics, police, volunteers — everyone is working seamlessly to assist and save lives. I’m grateful to all those who are here today — those pulling people out from under debris, those offering help, those staying strong through all this,” he said.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that the Russian attack targeted 27 different locations across Kyiv.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said over 40 people were injured, with more than 30 requiring hospital treatment. Among the fatalities is one American citizen.

In the Solomianskyi district, the entrance to a residential building was completely destroyed. As of Tuesday morning, emergency crews continued to clear the site.

The overnight strikes also caused damage to parts of the city's transport infrastructure, leading to the temporary suspension of some public transit services.

The dormitories of the Kyiv Aviation Institute were also hit. According to acting rector Ksenia Semenova, a strike drone directly struck Dormitory No. 10, while the blast wave shattered windows in three other dormitory buildings.

In response to the devastation, a humanitarian coordination centre has been established at 9A Akademika Shalimova Street, located at School No. 67. Search and rescue efforts continue as emergency teams work through the debris.

By Tamilla Hasanova