Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is demanding tougher global sanctions on Russia following a brutal airstrike on Kyiv that left 31 civilians dead, including five children as young as two years old. Another 159 people were injured in the attack.
The deadly assault took place on Thursday and caused widespread destruction, collapsing residential buildings and damaging several public facilities including a hospital, a school, a daycare center, and a university. Kyiv observed a day of mourning to honor those who lost their lives in the attack.
One of the Deadliest Strikes Since War Began
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched over 300 drones and eight cruise missiles in this latest wave of attacks—making it one of the most lethal days in Kyiv since Since Russia’s large-scale invasion began in February 2022, this has been one of the most devastating assaults.
President Zelensky condemned the assault and emphasized that sanctions on Moscow need to be strengthened, stating:
“Sanctions are effective, regardless of what the Kremlin claims. But they must be intensified to truly stop this aggression.”
International Response: U.S. and Germany Step In
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also criticized Russia’s actions, calling them “disgusting,” and hinted at possible new sanctions in the days ahead. While addressing the media, he stated that Russia had been given a timeline of 10 to 12 days to commit to a ceasefire.
At the United Nations, Acting U.S. Ambassador John Kelley urged both countries to begin peace negotiations:
“Now is the time to strike a deal that brings lasting peace,” he said during a Security Council meeting.
Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that Washington had given “encouraging signals” about targeting Russian oil exports and secondary markets in future sanctions packages.
Germany to Deliver More Air Defense Systems
In a separate development, Germany announced plans to supply Ukraine with two more U.S.-made Patriot missile defense systems within the next few days—adding to the country’s air defense arsenal as it faces repeated aerial bombardments.
President Zelensky revealed that in the month of July alone, Russian forces launched over 5,100 glide bombs, 3,800 Iranian-made Shahed drones, and 260 missiles—including 128 ballistic missiles.
Zelensky’s Final Word: “Every Day Counts”
“We cannot afford to waste time,” Zelensky said. “Stopping Russia’s terror campaign requires a unified global response—from the U.S., Europe, and all allies who believe in justice and peace.”
