Kyiv Condemns Russian "Horror" Strikes as Deliberate G7 Summit Insult

Ukrainian officials have denounced an extensive Russian aerial offensive on Kyiv as "horrific," revealing at least 15 fatalities and 116 injuries across the capital following overnight missile and drone strikes. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed assaults on 27 locations early Tuesday, devastating residential complexes and critical infrastructure. "The enemy deployed unprecedented firepower," stated Klymenko, labeling it among the largest assaults since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported extensive damage in Sviatoshynskyi and Solomianskyi districts, with 30 apartments obliterated in one building alone. Rescue teams continue searching rubble for survivors. The strikes coincided with the G7 summit in Canada, where world leaders gathered to discuss global security. Notably, a US citizen perished in the attacks.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of strategic timing, declaring: "Putin deliberately launched this brutal assault during the summit to signal utter disrespect to the United States and partners demanding peace." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, scheduled to attend the G7 talks, condemned the bombardment as evidence of Russia’s unchecked aggression, emphasizing Putin "continues solely because he faces no consequences."

The assault occurred amid stalled ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, facilitated by US President Donald Trump. While prisoner exchanges have occurred, diplomatic progress remains minimal. Russia escalated bombardments following Ukraine’s June 1 operation that crippled Moscow’s bomber fleet. Ukrainian authorities reported Russia deployed 175 drones and 14 cruise missiles in the latest attacks, with Odesa suffering 13 additional injuries.

Concurrently, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed interception of 147 Ukrainian drones over its territory. As Ukraine appeals for Western air defense support, Moscow appears bolstering alliances—security chief Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang for talks with Kim Jong Un, reinforcing a mutual defense pact signed in 2024. North Korea reportedly supplies ballistic missiles and ammunition to Russia, with thousands of its soldiers allegedly deployed near Ukraine's Kursk border.