American Killed in Deadly Russian Strike on Kyiv

Newsweek

4 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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An American citizen was among at least 16 people killed in a deadly overnight Russian strike on Ukraine's capital, officials said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's military launched 175 drones, 14 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles against Kyiv and the surrounding area overnight, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said. It marked Russia's deadliest attack on the city so far this year.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and the Kremlin for comment by email.
Ukrainian rescuers carry a wounded colleague during a search and rescue operation following a Russian missile strike on Kyiv on June 17, 2025.
Ukrainian rescuers carry a wounded colleague during a search and rescue operation following a Russian missile strike on Kyiv on June 17, 2025.
GENYA SAVILOV/AFP/Getty Images
Why It Matters
The aerial assault marked the latest of a series of attacks by Russia in recent weeks. Efforts led by Washington to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine are faltering, and both sides have launched large-scale onslaughts, with Russia intensifying nighttime strikes with long-range weapons across Ukraine.
What To Know
Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine's interior minister, told reporters that a 62-year-old U.S. citizen had died from shrapnel wounds.
Earlier, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on his Telegram channel that a 62-year-old American was found dead in a house opposite where medics were providing assistance to victims of Russia's overnight strike.
At least 16 people were killed and 124 others were wounded in the attacks.
Speaking from the Group of 7 summit in Canada on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "is doing this solely because he can afford to keep waging war. He wants the war to go on."
In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky said residents were trapped under an apartment building that was partially destroyed in the assault.
"Right now in Kyiv, efforts are underway to rescue people from under the rubble of an ordinary residential building—it's still unclear how many remain trapped. The Russians destroyed an entire section of the apartment block. In total, buildings in eight districts of Kyiv have been damaged," the president said.
I receive regular reports from Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko and our military commanders on the aftermath of Russia's massive strike. More than 440 drones and 32 missiles were used. Kyiv has faced one of the most horrific attacks. Also, overnight, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia,… pic.twitter.com/4ZMFBj8eJ2 — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 17, 2025
What People Are Saying
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X: "Such attacks are pure terrorism. The whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists. Putin does this solely because he can afford to continue the war.
"He wants the war to go on. It is wrong when the powerful of this world turn a blind eye to it. We are in contact with all partners at every possible level to ensure an appropriate response. It is the terrorists who must feel the pain, not innocent peaceful people."
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said in a statement: "Last night's attack was the fourth time this month that Russian armed forces launched more than 400 munitions in a single night. By comparison, Russian armed forces launched 544 long-range munitions during the entire month in June 2024."
What Happens Next
Moscow and Kviv will continue to launch strikes on each other's territory, with few signs of a peace deal in the near future.