Death toll rises to 21 after large Russian attack on Kyiv, with over 80 injured

Damage was seen in 30 areas of the city, and most of the damaged buildings were ordinary homes.

Published 2 July 2026 428 words
WORLD B2
Death toll rises to 21 after large Russian attack on Kyiv, with over 80 injured

The number of people killed in a major Russian attack on Kyiv has risen to 21. More than 80 people were injured, including two children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited one of the buildings that was hit and promised that Ukraine would retaliate against Russia.

The attack, which happened overnight, caused damage in 30 different locations across the city. Many of these were residential buildings where people live. The city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, described it as the worst Russian attack on the capital since the war began over four years ago. Local authorities reported that over 56 people were injured, with 70 needing hospital treatment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the country will definitely seek revenge for the attack. He spoke to reporters while visiting a destroyed apartment block. Rescuers were still searching through the rubble. The Ukrainian air force said that Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 drones. Most were shot down, but 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones hit their targets.

Elsewhere in Europe, the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced she would propose more sanctions against Russia. She stated that the more Russia attacks civilians, the more sanctions should be imposed. Germany's foreign ministry also condemned the attacks, calling them brutal and vowing to continue supporting Ukraine.

In other news, German prosecutors have accused Ukrainian state authorities of ordering the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022. This accusation could create tension between Ukraine and Germany. Meanwhile, France, Portugal, and Spain are preparing for another heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 44C.

Vocabulary

retaliate — to do something harmful to someone because they have harmed you first
ordinary residential buildings — normal apartment blocks or houses where people live
rubble — broken pieces of brick, stone, and other material from buildings that have been destroyed
sanctions — punishments, often financial, imposed by one country or group on another
sabotage — the deliberate destruction of or damage to something
heatwave — a period of unusually hot weather
authorities — people or organizations that have the power to make decisions and enforce rules
vowed — promised strongly or swore to do something

Discussion Questions

  1. What was the main consequence of the Russian attack on Kyiv, and how did President Zelenskyy react?
  2. What actions is the EU considering in response to the attacks on civilians?
  3. Besides the attacks on Ukraine, what other significant international news is mentioned in the article, such as the Nord Stream pipeline incident or weather concerns in Europe?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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