Russia launches major ballistic missile attack on Ukrainian cities, exposing air defense gaps

Russia launched one of its most extensive ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine, particularly targeting the capital Kyiv, during the night of July 18-19, 2026. Ukrainian officials reported a five-hour assault that involved over 40 ballistic missiles, including Iskander-M and hypersonic Zircon missiles, alongside approximately 120 to 125 attack drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the barrage as one of the largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv since the conflict began.

The widespread strikes resulted in significant damage and casualties, primarily in Kyiv. At least one person was killed and between 16 and 17 others were injured in Kyiv and the surrounding region. Fires erupted across multiple districts, affecting residential buildings, offices, industrial facilities, and a dormitory. A three-story building in Kyiv caught fire, and the vestibule of the Lukianivska metro station partially collapsed due to a blast wave.

Beyond Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv, Kherson, and Sumy also sustained hits from Russian guided missiles and drones. Emergency services were deployed across the affected areas to conduct rescue operations and address the extensive damage.