Russia Retaliates Against Ukraine Drone Barrage, Kills 2 In Latest Airstrikes

Last Updated:July 21, 2025, 16:38 IST

Ukraine's drone attack on Russia led to a retaliatory strike with missiles and drones, killing two and injuring 15. Zelenskyy claimed the attack caused widespread damage.

It is learnt the airstrikes has caused widespread damage and fire in several parts of the country. (Image: X/@ZelenskyyUa)

A day after Ukraine launched a drone attack against Russia, the latter retaliated with firing Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and drones overnight.

The Russian attack claimed two lives and left at least 15 injured, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday. The Russian attacks targetted Ukrainian military and airfield sites, according to its Defense Ministry. It is learnt the airstrikes has caused widespread damage and fire in several parts of the country.

Taking to X, Zelenskyy wrote, “Throughout the night, Russia launched more than 420 drones and over 20 missiles, including ballistic ones. The waves of attacks lasted all night and continued into the morning.(sic)

Accusing Russia of targetting civilians, Zelenskyy further wrote, “Russian strikes are always an assault on humanity — in Kyiv, a kindergarten caught fire, along with residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. Ordinary apartment buildings were damaged in Kharkiv, Ivano-Frankivsk and the region. 15 people have been injured, the youngest is a 12-year-old boy. Everyone is receiving assistance. Two people were killed in the attack. My condolences to their families and loved ones.(sic)"

A video capturing the aftermath of the attack at Kiev military locations has surfaced on social media platform X. In the video, plumes of smoke can be seen.

The Ukrainian drone barrage on Moscow between Saturday and Sunday forced closure of major airports in the city, UK broadcaster BBC said in a report. The report added that the sustained drone attack campaign by the Ukrainians led to cancellation of over 140 flights.

It also said that over 230 Ukrainian drones were downed over Russia since Saturday morning of which 27 were downed over the capital, citing data from the Russian defence ministry.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscow’s main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

Peskov said that the world was now accustomed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s sometimes “harsh" rhetoric but pointed out that Trump had also underscored in comments on Russia that he would continue to search for a peace deal.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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Kyiv, Ukraine

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News world Russia Retaliates Against Ukraine Drone Barrage, Kills 2 In Latest Airstrikes