Russian Missiles And Drones Kill 12 Civilians, Injure 40 In Ukraine, Zelenskyy Says

Russian missiles and drones killed at least 12 civilians and injured 40 others in Ukraine on Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attacks as “horrific attacks.”

A Russian missile targeting infrastructure struck the central city of Dnipro, killing six people and wounding 29, Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said.

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Russian drones also hit a passenger minibus in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing three and wounding six, including a child, Zelenskyy said on social media.

In the northeastern Sumy region, National Police said Russian drones killed a 69-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, and Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a daytime Russian strike killed one person and wounded five others in Kharkiv.

Some customers in eight Ukrainian regions were left without power Monday after Russian strikes, while hot weather drove up electricity use as people turned on air conditioners, grid operator Ukrenergo said.

Zelenskyy renewed his plea for Europe to develop stronger anti-ballistic defenses, saying, “People need greater protection from such horrific attacks.”

In Russia, Vladimir Putin acknowledged the impact of Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure, telling a meeting, “Unfortunately, there are still queues at petrol stations, and finding the right grade of petrol isn't always easy.”

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Putin said in an interview that Ukraine’s attacks were “obviously creating problems,” adding, “We are currently seeing a certain shortage, but it's not critical.”

The BBC reported that Putin discussed the crisis with senior officials and oil executives over the weekend, and that independent Russian outlet Mediazona said 56 Russian regions were enforcing fuel restrictions.

The Institute for the Study of War said the Kremlin’s stance was an attempt to push the West and Ukraine to give in to Russia’s demands, while adding, “Russia’s battlefield performance continues to decline in 2026 and Russia’s ability to seize its objectives militarily is in question.”

Ukrenergo said customers in eight Ukrainian regions were left without power after Russian strikes, while Zelenskyy tied the latest attacks to a renewed call for Europe to speed up air-defense development.

“Ukrainian president calls on partners to provide with stronger air defense capabilities Elena Teslova 29 June 2026•Update: 29 June 2026 MOSCOW Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Russian strikes on several regions killed at least eight people and injured dozens, including civilians and emergency responders, in attacks involving missiles and drones”

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The Los Angeles Times reported that Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses downed 209 Ukrainian drones from late Sunday through early Monday, while Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 82 of the 108 drones Russia launched overnight.

Putin said he would increase production of air defences and speed up repairs to refineries Ukraine hit, and in the BBC account he promised to address the fuel situation in Crimea, where he said only “a few days' supply” was left.

The Guardian reported that Putin said he expected US negotiators to come to Moscow after the active phase on the Iranian track had passed, while also saying Russia’s fuel and air-defense priorities were to improve air defences and protect fuel supplies, particularly in Russian-occupied Crimea.

In the same reporting, Putin rejected a Ukrainian proposal to halt mutual long-range strikes, saying, “It is clear why this proposal is being made, because our counter-strikes deep into Ukrainian territory are much stronger, have greater impact and are, frankly, more destructive.”