Russia struck Ukraine with the largest number of ballistic missiles in a single attack since the war began, Ukraine’s acting Foreign Minister announced today. “Russia launched the largest number of ballistic missiles since the start of the war — approximately 40 — in a violent terrorist attack against the Ukrainian capital, resulting in deaths and injuries,” wrote Andrii Sybiha in a post on X. “We call for an appropriate and powerful response. We need overwhelming pressure on Moscow to end this terror,” he added.
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Massive Russian strikes and Zelensky’s response
In a social media post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as one of the largest ballistic missile strikes Russia has ever launched against Kyiv since the start of the war. According to Zelensky, Russian forces fired more than 40 missiles of various types along with 120 drones.
Overnight, Russia carried out one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv. The enemy launched more than 40 missiles of various types – most of them against the capital – and 120 attack drones.
As of now, one person has been reported killed in Kyiv and the region, and 16… pic.twitter.com/YMWDlB6wGA
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 19, 2026
Notably, in the past week alone, Russia deployed approximately 1,450 drones, more than 1,640 guided aerial bombs, and 99 missiles against Ukraine, the Ukrainian president emphasized, urging allies to accelerate the delivery of anti-ballistic missile systems and intensify pressure on Moscow.
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 18 of the 41 missiles launched by Russia. According to an official statement, 23 missiles and 10 unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) struck 20 locations during the attack. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 108 out of 125 Russian drones were shot down.
Russia carried out one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv 40+ missiles of various types, most aimed at the capital, plus 120 attack drones – Zelensky
✅ 120 UAVs and 40 ballistic missiles to rock the world’s most defended capital backed by NATO’s best equipment,… pic.twitter.com/1zwLwes3zp
— Alpha Defense™🇮🇳 (@alpha_defense) July 19, 2026
One killed, 16 injured
At least one person was killed and 16 others were injured in the Russian missile strikes, with damage reported to multiple buildings. Kyiv’s Lukianivska metro station was temporarily closed after sustaining damage in the attack.
