The US State Department has stated its awareness of the missile attack on Kyiv that occurred on the night of June 17. Officials noted that among the deceased is a US citizen, and they expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the injured.
This is reported by Київ24
“We are aware of the attack on Kyiv last night, which resulted in numerous tragedies, including the death of a US citizen. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the injured. The President (Donald Trump) has clearly expressed his views regarding civilian areas in this context.”
Massive assault on Ukrainian cities
On the night and morning of June 17, Russian military forces launched a powerful coordinated strike on Ukraine, using strike drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Kyiv and Odesa suffered the most damage. As a result of the attack in Odesa, two people were killed, while in Kyiv, at least 14 individuals lost their lives. According to the State Emergency Service, another 117 residents of the capital were injured to varying degrees.
Government response and extent of destruction
In Kyiv and the Kyiv region, June 18 has been declared a Day of Mourning for the deceased. Local authorities report damage to buildings in seven districts of the capital. The Solomianskyi district was particularly affected, where a Russian missile struck a nine-story residential building, completely destroying one of the entrances and causing concrete ceilings to collapse down to the basement. The search for the missing continues.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that rescuers are finding parts of cluster munitions in the Nyvky area, remnants from the shelling.
According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the night, the Russian army launched a total of 472 air attack means against Ukraine, including 32 missiles. Ukrainian air defense destroyed 428 targets, reducing the scale of destruction and the number of casualties.