US Condemns Attack on Kyiv That Left American Dead

WASHINGTON DC – The US State Department on Tuesday condemned Russia’s massive drone and missile attacks on Kyiv Monday night, during which at least 16 people were killed, among them an American citizen.

“We are aware of last night’s attack on Kyiv, which resulted in numerous casualties, including the tragic death of a US citizen,” Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told Kyiv Post’s Washington correspondent during a daily briefing.

“We condemn those strikes and extend our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of all those affected,” Bruce added.

Ukrainian authorities said Tuesday that Russia had launched more than 400 drones and 30 missiles in what has been called one of the largest attacks on the war-torn country’s capital since February 2022. Kyiv declared a day of mourning on Wednesday for the victims.

Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine’s interior minister, told reporters Tuesday morning that a 62-year-old US citizen had died from shrapnel wounds. Earlier, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Telegram that an American was found dead in a house opposite where medics were assisting victims of the Russian attack.

“We can confirm the death of a US citizen in Ukraine, and we stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance,” Bruce told Kyiv Post’s correspondent.

The spokesperson refrained from providing further details out of respect for the family: “During this obviously horrible time, we have no further details to offer in that regard.”

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Russian Drone Strike in Chernihiv Injures 8, Damages 37 Cars

Russian forces attacked Chernihiv with drones on Friday June 5, striking a private enterprise in the city’s north and a parking lot in the west. Local officials said eight people were injured, while 37 vehicles were damaged in the strike and resulting fire. Emergency services worked at both impact sites.

She added that US President Donald Trump, in the recent past, has “made his thoughts clear about striking the civilian areas in that regard.”

“And just to reiterate again, which is that the thread throughout all of the work that we do, is that the [State] Department has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens abroad,” she concluded.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently in Canada for one-on-one talks with world leaders at the G7 summit, called the Russian attacks “pure terrorism,” adding that “the whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists.”

“It is wrong when the powerful of this world turn a blind eye to it,” he said

Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Zelensky added that Putin “is doing this solely because he can afford to keep waging war. He wants the war to go on.”

Efforts led by the US and its allies to bring an end to Russia’s war have failed so far, with Moscow intensifying nighttime strikes with long-range weapons across Ukraine.