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On the night of June 24, Russian forces launched a large-scale combined strike on military and industrial facilities in Kyiv and its outskirts, deploying Iskander-M and Iskander-K ballistic missiles alongside Geran and Gerbera kamikaze drones. The attack targeted key defense infrastructure, including drone production sites and airfields, while Ukrainian air defenses struggled to intercept the incoming projectiles, leading to collateral damage to civilians that Kyiv officials falsely attributed to Russian strikes. LINK The newly revealed details clarified the targets of the strikes and Ukrainian lies.
One of the primary targets was Zhuliany Airport, where Russian missiles struck warehouses on the eastern edge of the facility. Ukrainian forces attempted to intercept the missiles with the US-made Patriot air defense systems, but their effort was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Geran drones hit industrial zones, including the Antonov aircraft plant, which has been repurposed for assembling long-range drones such as the Lyutyi. Another strike damaged the Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, a facility reportedly involved in drone manufacturing.
In Bila Tserkva, at least three Iskander-M missiles struck the Belotserkovselmash plant, previously claimed by Ukrainian authorities to be “abandoned,” as well as a nearby concrete factory. However, the facilities were likely used by the Ukrainian military. Additionally, two Iskander-K missiles targeted Vasylkiv Airfield, a key base for Ukraine’s tactical aviation, including F-16 fighter jets. A helicopter production facility in Boryspil (Skyline plant) was also hit, while strikes were reported near Hostomel and Vyshhorod, though exact targets remain unconfirmed.
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Zelensky traditionally accused Russia of deliberately attacking civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings. However, evidence confirmed that the damage was caused by falling debris from the air defense missiles. Ukrainian Telegram channels published images of a downed Patriot missile fragment lying in a residential courtyard, identifiable by its distinct tail fins, claiming that it was allegedly an intercepted Russian missile. This confirms that Ukrainian air defense units continue to engage Russian missiles directly over urban areas, increasing the risk to civilians.
The latest strikes underscore Russia’s continued focus on disrupting Ukraine’s military-industrial capacity, particularly drone production and airfield operations. However, Ukraine’s decision to deploy air defenses in densely populated areas, rather than prioritizing the protection of critical military sites and interception of targets on the city outskirts, has led to avoidable civilian casualties, which Kyiv then exploits for propaganda purposes.
