On June 24, 2025, Russian ballistic missiles struck southeastern Ukraine’s missile strikes Dnipropetrovsk region in a devastating daylight attack. The dual strikes hit the regional capital Dnipro and the nearby town of Samar, killing at least 17–18 people—including children—and injuring nearly 300. Damaged infrastructure includes schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and even a civilian passenger train. The assault coincided with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence at the NATO summit in The Hague, prompting urgent calls for enhanced Western support.
Widespread Civilian Impact
The missile strikes hit during daylight hours—an unusual timing that maximized civilian casualties and disruption. Emergency services confirmed over 200 injuries, with 27 children among the wounded. Ukrainian authorities stated that at least 14 schools and kindergartens, 8 hospitals and medical centers, and dozens of homes and administrative buildings sustained serious damage.
The attack caused widespread panic and devastation in Dnipro, a major industrial and transport hub. Authorities described scenes of chaos as rescue teams rushed to pull civilians from rubble and bloodied passengers stumbled from damaged train compartments missile strikes Dnipropetrovsk.
Train Services Caught in the Crossfire
A passenger train traveling from Odesa to Zaporizhzhia was damaged in the attack, reportedly struck by the blast wave of a nearby ballistic missile. While no passengers were killed, many suffered injuries from shattered glass and debris. The national railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, confirmed the train was removed from service and a replacement arranged for stranded passengers.
Samar Town Also Targeted
In the town of Samar, located just south of Dnipro, two civilians were killed and 14 others injured, including several in critical condition. This marks one of the most serious Russian attacks on the town since the war began, underscoring how frontline regions continue to bear the brunt of cross-border strikes missile strikes Dnipropetrovsk.
Zelensky Condemns “Disregard for Life”
Speaking from The Hague during the NATO summit, President Zelensky condemned the strikes, calling them “a complete disregard for life.” He reiterated his call for NATO members to provide additional missile defense systems and to impose stricter sanctions on Moscow. “Standing with Ukraine means defending life,” Zelensky said in a social media post.
Pattern of Escalation Before Diplomacy
The timing of the strike is significant—it occurred just as Zelensky was meeting with European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine’s defense arrangements. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of attempting to sabotage diplomatic efforts. A similar pattern occurred the previous week when Russia launched a nine-hour missile barrage across Ukraine, killing over 30 people ahead of the G7 summit missile strikes Dnipropetrovsk.
Local and Global Reaction
Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov called the attack “unprecedented,” stating that entire neighborhoods were left in ruins. International leaders expressed shock and solidarity, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.
Meanwhile, local emergency services continued to dig through rubble. Blood donations surged across the region, and volunteers set up relief centers to support displaced families. The Ukrainian Red Cross issued an appeal for aid, citing overwhelmed hospital systems.
Conclusion
The June 24 missile strikes in Dnipropetrovsk represent a chilling escalation in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. As civilian areas continue to be targeted, the international community faces growing pressure to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses and increase punitive measures against Russia. The attack underscores the deadly cost of delay in international support—and the need for swift, unified action.
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External Sources
- Reuters: Russian missile attack kills 17 as Zelenskiy presses NATO allies for support
- Kyiv Independent: Russia strikes Dnipro with ballistic missiles, hits civilian train
- The Morning News Informer – Ukraine War Latest
