The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on June 18 condemned Russia's large missile and drone assault on Kyiv that killed a minimum of 23 individuals and injured greater than 130 a day earlier, saying it "runs counter" to U.S. President Donald Trump's peace efforts.
"Right now, with all of Ukraine, we be part of a day of mourning in Kyiv for the victims of Russia's June 17 assault," the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine mentioned in a press release. "We lengthen deepest condolences to the victims' households. This mindless assault runs counter to President Trump's name to cease the killing and finish the struggle."
The nine-hour in a single day assault, which started late June 16, has grow to be one of many largest aerial assaults on the Ukrainian capital for the reason that begin of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian officers mentioned Russia launched 472 aerial weapons, together with almost 280 Shahed-type assault drones and cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine's air protection downed 428 targets, however a number of struck residential areas, together with a nine-story condo constructing in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district.
Among the many lifeless was a U.S. citizen, State Division Press Secretary Tammy Bruce confirmed at a briefing on June 17.
"We’re conscious of final evening's assault on Kyiv, which resulted in quite a few casualties, together with the tragic dying of a U.S. citizen," Bruce mentioned. "We condemn these strikes and lengthen our deepest condolences to the victims and to the households of all these affected."
President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to as it "probably the most horrifying assaults on Kyiv" and urged stronger worldwide assist to assist Ukraine defend itself.
Regardless of the dimensions of the assault, Trump gave the impression to be unaware of the strike when questioned by reporters aboard Air Pressure One early on June 17.
"When was that? When?" Trump responded when a reporter requested for his response. Informed that the drone and missile assault had occurred "very just lately," Trump mentioned: "Simply now? You imply as I’m strolling again to see you, that’s when it occurred? Sounds prefer it. I’ll have to take a look at it."
As of a day later, the White Home had nonetheless not issued an official response to the strike.
The June 17 assault prompted in depth harm throughout the capital. Civilian infrastructure hit included kindergartens, a college dormitory, residential neighborhoods, and industrial websites.
Fahrenheit, a Ukrainian producer of army and civilian clothes, reported that its Kyiv manufacturing unit was broken and operations have been suspended. Ukrposhta, the nationwide postal service, misplaced two branches. Ukrainian Railways mentioned a grain-carrying prepare was struck, disrupting transit.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko mentioned unexploded cluster munitions have been discovered within the metropolis — a sort of weapon banned by some international locations because of the hazard they pose to civilians. June 18 was declared a day of mourning in Kyiv.
International Minister Andrii Sybiha referred to as the timing of the assault, as G7 leaders gathered in Canada, a deliberate message from the Kremlin. Moscow has escalated strikes on Ukrainian cities in latest weeks, focusing on residential areas and important infrastructure.
Ukraine has urged Western allies to reply by reinforcing air protection capabilities and tightening financial stress on Russia.
The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir