Kyiv: In one of the deadliest attacks on Ukraine’s capital in recent months, a wave of Russian drone and missile strikes claimed the lives of 28 people, including a two-year-old child, in Kyiv on Thursday. The assault, which also left over 150 injured, has sparked outrage in Ukraine and across the international community.
The attack began in the early hours of the morning, with a combination of ballistic missiles and Iranian-made Shahed drones raining down on residential areas. Ukrainian officials confirmed that multiple apartment buildings, medical facilities, and a university were struck. Rescue teams, working through the debris, recovered the bodies of three children: aged 2, 6, and 17.
Authorities have declared Friday as a day of mourning in Kyiv. Scenes of anguish unfolded as families gathered outside ruined buildings, hoping for news of missing loved ones. Among the dead were entire families who were asleep when their homes were reduced to rubble.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate massacre of civilians. "Every missile, every drone, every life lost is evidence of terror as state policy," Zelenskyy said in a video address. He once again called for stronger sanctions against Russia and accelerated military support from allies.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko criticized the lack of decisive international action. “What is lacking is not power, but will,” she remarked, urging Western nations to do more than offer condolences. She noted that Russia launched over 3,800 drones and nearly 260 missiles during the month of July alone.
The attack has also drawn condemnation from international leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump denounced Russia’s actions as “disgusting” and warned that if a ceasefire is not reached by August 8, the United States would impose sweeping secondary sanctions, including targeting countries that continue to buy Russian energy. The European Union, UK, France, and Italy have also expressed support for Ukraine and are reportedly coordinating emergency military and humanitarian aid.
As part of immediate assistance, Germany has pledged to deliver two Patriot air-defense systems within the coming days, with more components to follow over the next several months. Ukrainian defense officials stressed that enhanced air defense is critical to preventing further civilian casualties.
Following the strikes, Ukraine’s UN mission has requested an urgent Security Council meeting, hoping to mobilize global pressure to deter further aggression and enforce a no-strike policy on civilian targets. The Ukrainian Parliament has also passed a resolution urging NATO to fast-track Ukraine's defense integration.
Meanwhile, rescue operations continue in Kyiv. Emergency workers have cleared over 2,000 tons of rubble and are still searching for survivors. Survivors described scenes of terror windows blown out, children screaming, and families scrambling to underground shelters as the city shook.
As Ukraine braces for more attacks, its leaders stress the urgency of converting international condemnation into action. The tragedy in Kyiv serves as a stark reminder that for Ukraine’s citizens, every minute of delay in global support could cost another innocent life.