Russian Strike on Kyiv Kills Four Following Putin’s Retaliation Threat

KYIV, Ukraine, 6 June 2025 (BSS/AFP) – At least four people were killed and over 20 injured as Russia launched a wave of ballistic missiles and drones against Ukraine overnight, striking the capital Kyiv just days after President Vladimir Putin vowed retaliation for a daring Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airbases.

The attack marks a deadly escalation in violence, even as tentative diplomatic efforts continue to seek an end to the war, now entering its fourth year following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Entire towns and villages in eastern Ukraine have been devastated, tens of thousands killed, and millions displaced, with Russian forces currently occupying around 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory.

Night of Fire Across Ukraine

Russian forces unleashed a barrage of missile and drone strikes not only on Kyiv but also across western regions including Lviv and Volyn, both of which border NATO and EU member state Poland.

In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed at least four deaths and 20 injuries, including emergency personnel. “Kyiv came under another attack involving UAVs and ballistic missiles. Rescuers are responding at multiple sites across the city,” Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said on Telegram.

AFP journalists in the capital reported explosions and continuous air raid sirens throughout the night. A high-rise residential building was partially destroyed, with a large crater visible in the façade and debris scattered across a nearby playground and parking area.

Rescue Workers Among the Dead

Interior Minister Igor Klymenko confirmed that three of the dead were emergency workers killed while responding to the initial strikes. “They worked under fire to help people. Another nine rescuers were wounded—some critically. Doctors are fighting for their lives,” he wrote on social media.

Fires broke out across multiple districts, and infrastructure damage disrupted rail services in the wider Kyiv region, causing severe delays, according to the national railway authority.

Putin’s Vow of Retaliation

The overnight bombardment came shortly after President Putin threatened to retaliate for a Ukrainian drone strike that had damaged Russian strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The incident—described as one of Kyiv’s boldest operations—targeted airbases deep inside Russian territory, including sites thousands of kilometres from the front line in Siberia.

Ukrainian operatives reportedly smuggled over 100 small drones into Russia, hidden in false roofs of wooden cabins, and coordinated a surprise strike on multiple bases.

While there was no immediate statement from Russian officials regarding the overnight attacks, the Kremlin had previously warned it would decide “how and when” to respond.

Western Ukraine Also Targeted

Beyond Kyiv, the cities of Lutsk and areas of the Ternopil region in western Ukraine were also struck. Vyacheslav Negoda, head of Ternopil’s regional military administration, called the assault “the most massive air attack on our region to date.”

At least 32 people were reported injured in four regions, including 15 in Lutsk.

Russia Reports Drone Strikes on Its Territory

Russia also reported overnight attacks by Ukrainian drones, claiming three people were injured in the western Tula region. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, 10 drones were intercepted en route to the Russian capital. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated it had downed a total of 174 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Ceasefire Talks Overshadowed by Violence

While both sides have engaged in sporadic negotiations, hopes for a ceasefire remain dim. Moscow continues to reject any pause in hostilities without sweeping concessions. Russian negotiators have demanded Ukraine withdraw entirely from four occupied regions, halt all Western military cooperation, and renounce aspirations to join NATO.

As the violence intensifies, international observers warn that continued escalations may derail the already fragile diplomatic channels and push the war into an even more dangerous phase.