Russia Attacks Kyiv With Deadly Drone and Missile Barrage as World’s Attention Focused on Iran

Latest Developments

• Russia Strikes Kyiv: As the world’s attention is focused on Iran, Russia conducted a deadly missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on June 17. The strikes, which reportedly used 440 drones and 32 missiles, killed at least 10 people — including a 62-year-old American citizen — and wounded approximately 10 others. The strikes also targeted the southern port city of Odesa, where two people were killed and 17 were injured.
• Kindergarten and Residential Buildings Struck: Ukrainian officials stated that 27 locations in the capital were targeted over the 10-hour barrage. “Putin is doing this solely because he can afford to keep waging war. He wants the war to go on,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Zelensky was attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, where President Donald Trump declined to commit to placing sanctions on Russia and criticized the G7’s decision to expel Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
• Putin Objects to Israel’s Attacks on Ally: Despite escalating his attacks on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Israel’s “act of force” against its Axis of Aggressors partner Iran and called for an end to hostilities. Russia has also offered to mediate between Israel and Iran, as it maintains bilateral relations with both. Iran has been Russia’s closest Middle East ally since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the Iranians providing Russia with drones and missiles used to deadly effect in Ukraine. Earlier this year, Tehran and Moscow signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, which included a military component.  

FDD Expert Response

“Putin’s most recent targets included a kindergarten in Odesa and a nine-story apartment building in Kyiv. His propagandists, of course, claimed these strikes were aimed at military-industrial facilities. Meanwhile, members of the G7 urged Putin to engage in ceasefire talks and pursue a path toward peace. Without lots more pressure: fat chance.” — Clifford D. May, Founder and President

“Trump says he’s holding off on tougher sanctions so he can see ‘whether or not a deal is signed.’ Yet as much as the Kremlin might try to curry favor with Trump through performative diplomacy and offers for help with Iran, Putin continually demonstrates he has no interest in peace unless it means Ukrainian capitulation. So, what’s Trump waiting for? It’s time to start applying real pressure on Moscow, beginning with joining with G7 and European allies in constricting Russian oil revenue.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director

“As Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear program continues, Putin is flexing his military muscles. His favorite game is to escalate and then de-escalate, positioning himself as a pillar of stability while offering to act as a peace broker. Putin’s game is to use Iran as leverage to extort greater concessions in ongoing negotiations on Ukraine. President Trump should not fall for Putin’s manipulation, as he is the arsonist who plays the firefighter.” — Ivana Stradner, Research Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“Trump should not fall for Putin’s gambit,” by Ivana Stradner

“Nuclear Cooperation Among the ‘Axis of Aggressors’: An Emerging Threat,” by Andrea Stricker and Anthony Ruggiero

“Stalin in the subway,” by Clifford D. May

“Beyond the Bomb: Is Iran’s Diplomatic Pivot Changing Its Nuclear Calculus?” by Seth J. Frantzman