July 4, 2025: In one of the most intense attacks in recent weeks, Russian forces launched a massive overnight drone and missile strike on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, damaging multiple residential areas and setting off fires across the city. Ukrainian officials said the assault lasted over six hours, with at least 13 sites hit across five districts on both sides of the Dnipro River.
Fires and Explosions Across the Capital
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed that the drone strikes targeted dwellings and caused significant fires in various neighborhoods. The Svyatoshynskyi and Solomianskyi districts were among the hardest hit. In the western part of Kyiv, injuries are considered “likely,” though no official casualty count has been released as of yet.
Social media footage—yet to be verified—showed a massive fire reportedly near Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany), fueling speculation of broader damage. Eyewitnesses described hearing repeated explosions and anti-aircraft fire as Ukrainian defense systems worked to intercept the incoming drones.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed a fire on the roof of a 16-storey apartment building in a northern suburb, raising further concern about civilian impact.
Timing Raises Eyebrows: Attack Follows Trump-Putin Phone Call
The attack came just hours after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin—their sixth publicly acknowledged conversation since Trump’s return to the White House.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “We had a call, it was a pretty long call… I’m not happy about [the war].” He admitted that no progress was made in resolving the conflict, despite previous promises to broker peace swiftly.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that while Trump urged a quick resolution to the war, Putin made it clear that Russia would not retreat from its objectives. Ushakov described the call as “frank, businesslike, and concrete,” but did not mention any plans for a follow-up meeting.
What’s Next for U.S. Involvement?
President Trump is expected to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, a source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The conversation comes amid increasing pressure from Kyiv and Europe for the U.S. to resume military aid and take a stronger stance on sanctions against Russia.
Although Trump has reduced weapons shipments to Ukraine since taking office, there have been no new sanctions on Russia, raising concerns among allies about America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine during the ongoing war.
A City on Edge
As Kyiv wakes up to another day of damage and uncertainty, emergency services continue to assess the full extent of the destruction. With more attacks likely and peace talks stalled, the people of Ukraine remain caught in the crossfire of international diplomacy and an unrelenting war.