Looting and destruction spree in Kyiv due to Russian strikes: threat of collapse of a multi-storey building in Solomianska district
Kyiv has not experienced destruction on such a scale for a long time: following another missile attack, Moscow continues its strikes on the Ukrainian capital, leaving behind numerous destroyed buildings, cars, and injured people. The situation is particularly worsening in Solomiiska, where explosions caused significant damage to residential and private buildings, and rescuers are warning of an extreme danger of a partial collapse of a damaged nine-story building. The emergency services reported the tragedy in their official Telegram channel: “Solomiiska district: as a result of a missile hit on a 9-storey residential building, one of the entrances has been completely destroyed. There is an obvious threat of collapse of other structures—rescue operations are ongoing.” According to rescuers, the damaged multi-storey building has become a source of new dangers, as its load-bearing elements are in a critical condition. The shelling also caused extensive damage to nearby objects: eight cars in the yard were burned, four more cars were on fire, and several annexes—including a local stationary car wash and a garage cooperative—were also burning nearby. Residential areas were not spared either: fires broke out near multi-storey residential buildings and a warehouse building, and debris caused fires at some sites in the Sviatoshyn district. The situation in Darnytskyi district is especially dramatic: rocket debris caused a fire, damaged an administrative building, and shattered windows in a kindergarten. Partially, the upper floors of a residential complex were also destroyed. Similar scenes are repeated in Dniprovskyi and Obolonskyi districts—damaged residential buildings and vehicles that fell victim to recent attacks. Representatives of the State Emergency Service report that all city units are operating tirelessly: “Over 290 rescuers are working at the sites, 75 units of equipment are involved, along with three canine teams, and two SES helicopters are conducting evacuation and search-and-rescue operations.” They are engaged in recovery work to extract injured persons, extinguish fires, and reinforce buildings at risk of collapse. The background of these events is quite grim. On the night of June 17, Ukraine experienced a new wave of missile and drone strikes by Russian forces. Explosions occurred in several regions, including the capital. Initial reports indicated at least 40 injured, but later the number of casualties increased to over a hundred. According to the Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, the main strike was delivered by ballistic missiles, one of which hit a nine-storey residential building in Solomianska, destroying an entire entrance. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko called on residents to be especially careful and vigilant. In his appeals, he emphasized that small metal balls—remnants of Russian missiles—are still being found in the city and can pose additional dangers. Facing the threat of further attacks, Kyiv residents remain on high alert, avoiding unpredictable risks and following local authorities' advice. This series of destructions has once again highlighted the sharpness and the threat posed by Russian shelling. The city is working around the clock to minimize the consequences of this attack, secure residents, and prevent even more casualties. Nonetheless, the situation remains tense, and the danger of collapsing damaged structures is one of the primary issues that needs immediate resolution to prevent a catastrophic outcome.