Russian Strikes Kill Dozens, Injure Hundreds Across Ukraine

Russian forces have intensified their attacks across Ukraine, with a series of coordinated strikes on June 17-18 targeting residential areas, schools, emergency services, and agricultural infrastructure in multiple regions including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The deadliest attack occurred in Kyiv, where a missile and drone bombardment destroyed a nine-story apartment building and killed at least 30 people, with 188 injured overall in the June 17 strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the Kyiv assault as one of the most terrifying, with Russia firing more than 440 drones and 32 missiles during the attack. Despite the scale of civilian casualties and destruction, Russia claims it targets only military sites. The ongoing Russian summer offensive has coincided with stalled peace talks and growing uncertainty about Western support, as President Zelenskyy sought but did not secure additional aid from U.S. President Donald Trump, who left early from a G7 summit. Local officials report significant damage to homes, emergency medical facilities, and infrastructure, underscoring the widespread humanitarian impact of the conflict.