At least 17 killed in Russian and Ukrainian long-range strikes
Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged long-range strikes on Friday, resulting in at least 17 deaths and significant infrastructure damage. Ukraine targeted military-linked factories and retail warehouses in Russia, while Russian missiles struck civilian areas in Kyiv and Sloviansk.
Why it matters
The escalation of long-range strikes into deep Russian territory marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, increasing the risk of civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction.
At least 17 people were killed Friday (July 24, 2026) in Russian and Ukrainian long-range strikes — including just outside Kyiv and hundreds of miles east of Moscow — as both sides intensify strikes with diplomacy in a deadlock.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a Russian missile strike outside the Ukrainian capital killed six people, with a rescue operation ongoing and "dozens of people reported to be injured".
Mr. Zelenskyy also said that Russian aerial bombing killed five people in the frontline city of Sloviansk.
On the same day, Kyiv launched a wave of long-range drone and missile attacks on Russia.
Moscow said an attack on a factory more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the front in the city of Kirov killed six people.
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