Russia launches deadly strike in Ukraine, 15 killed as Zelenskyy warns of bigger attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said around 100 people were injured in the daytime strike on the exhibition, which was attended by prominent members of Ukraine's defence sector, the BBC reported.

He added that casualties were also reported in the eastern city of Slovyansk following Russian guided aerial bomb attacks.

Sharing details on X, Zelenskyy wrote: "Five people were killed. My condolences to their families. Nine others were injured. The Russians damaged ordinary homes, the consulate building, and vehicles."

Condemning the attacks, he said: "These were brutal attacks on civilians, and the Russians must be held accountable for them. Russia has long abandoned any regard for international norms – and for human values. Their only interest is in continuing the killing. It is important that our partners fully understand that protecting lives also depends on them. Interceptors for Patriot systems are the number one priority."

In a separate post on X, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence, along with information from international partners, indicated that Russia was preparing another large-scale missile attack within the next 48 hours.

"We know from our intelligence and our partners that the Russians have readied missiles for a new massive attack on Ukraine. The strike may take place today – we have preliminary information that it could happen within the next 48 hours. Please take care of yourselves and pay attention to air raid alerts. We do expect understanding from our partners – air defense is the first priority where partners can help us," he wrote.

Civilian casualties rise sharply

The latest attacks come as civilian casualties in Ukraine continue to mount amid intensified Russian bombardments.

Earlier this month, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported that civilian casualties surged during the first half of 2026 as Russia escalated its attacks and increased the use of high-impact weapons.

According to the UN, 293 civilians were killed and 1,990 injured in June, making it the deadliest month for civilians since April 2022.

May had already recorded the highest civilian toll in more than four years, with 282 people killed and 1,794 injured, but June surpassed those figures, underscoring the worsening humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.