Kyiv and Multiple Ukrainian Cities Targeted in Major Russian Air Strikes
Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities experienced heavy aerial attacks on Friday, resulting in civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure, including a government building in the capital. Ukraine‘s Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, stated that buildings, including the roof and upper floors of a government headquarters, were damaged, but emphasized that “lost lives cannot be returned.” She called for increased international sanctions, specifically targeting Russian oil and gas, in response to the destruction.
The strikes hit residential areas of Kyiv, with a nine-story apartment building suffering substantial damage, including partial collapses of several floors. fires also broke out in other buildings and vehicles, including the government building in the Pechersk district, according to Kyiv mayor vitali Klitschko. Tragically, a one-year-old child was among those killed, recovered from the rubble by rescue workers.
Beyond Kyiv, the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and Odesa were also targeted, with local authorities reporting damage to civilian infrastructure and injuries.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted military-industrial complex sites and transport infrastructure supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They stated strikes hit drone plants,storage facilities for long-range drones,arsenals,airfields,radar stations,and locations where Ukrainian soldiers and foreign mercenaries were gathered. The ministry also reported intercepting three guided air bombs, three HIMARS rockets, and 210 drones. Furthermore, they announced the capture of the village of Khoroshe in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
These attacks represent a significant escalation in recent months. July was identified by the united Nations as one of the deadliest months for Ukrainian civilians since May 2022. A previous attack on Kyiv on August 28th resulted in at least 25 deaths.
European leaders are expressing growing concern about a potential new Russian offensive, with discussions focusing on troop movements near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.
Despite recent attempts by former US President Donald Trump to facilitate peace talks,including a proposed meeting with President Vladimir Putin,Russia has shown limited willingness to pursue a ceasefire.President Putin suggested President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travel to Moscow for negotiations, a proposal Zelenskiy rejected, stating he would not visit the capital of a “terrorist” state while Ukraine remains under attack. He countered by offering to meet Putin in Kyiv.
