EU envoy says Russia turned Kyiv night into 'Russian roulette' with mass strike

“Seemed like large parts of the city were on fire. People spent the night in bomb shelters. Many of those who did not make it there in time were killed or are now fighting for their lives in hospital. As I write these words, many people are still trapped beneath the rubble of burning buildings. The authorities have confirmed 13 dead and 84 injured. So far. I fear the final toll will be higher,” Mathernová wrote on Facebook.

The ambassador said she woke up in the middle of the night to air raid sirens and headed to a shelter. She added that it was one of the largest combined drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other cities since the start of the full-scale invasion, lasting more than 12 hours.

Mathernová said Russia also struck a residential site used by diplomats. All were unharmed, but their belongings were damaged in a fire that engulfed the building.

“Every night in Ukraine feels like a game of Russian roulette. We are not complaining. We are here to do our job, and we will continue to do it. But there is no denying the psychological toll of living through nights like this,” the EU ambassador said.

Massive strike on Kyiv on July 2

Overnight on July 2, Russia launched a combined drone and missile attack on Ukraine with nearly 500 drones and 74 missiles, including Zircon missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Kyiv was the main target, with powerful explosions heard across the capital.

Damage was recorded at 30 locations across all districts of Kyiv, including direct hits on apartment buildings. The worst destruction was reported at a building in the Darnytskyi district, where a rescue operation is underway. In all, 20 apartment buildings were damaged in the city, along with a hotel, an emergency medical services substation and private homes.

As of 4:02 p.m., 20 people were known to have been killed. More than 90 others were injured.

Some Kyiv residents remain unaccounted for. Searches are underway.