KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed calls for tougher international sanctions on Russia following a devastating missile and drone barrage that killed at least 31 people, including five children, in Kyiv on Thursday.
The youngest victim was just two years old, and at least 159 others were wounded, among them 16 children, in what has become one of the deadliest attacks on the capital since the full-scale invasion by Russia began in February 2022.
“No matter how much the Kremlin denies their effectiveness, sanctions do work – and they must be strengthened,” Zelensky said in a national address, urging the international community to ramp up economic pressure on Moscow.
A day of mourning was observed in Kyiv as rescue teams continued to search through rubble from a collapsed apartment block.
The attack also severely damaged a hospital, a university, a nursery, and a school.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched more than 300 drones and eight cruise missiles during the overnight assault, which left scenes of destruction across multiple districts of the capital.
Images from the aftermath showed red-bricked buildings gutted by explosions, shattered windows, and debris-littered streets—grim reminders of the toll on civilian life.
Trump and U.S. Officials Signal More Sanctions Could Be Imminent
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has taken a more vocal stance on the war in recent weeks, condemned the Russian strikes and hinted that new punitive measures targeting Russia’s economy may be announced soon.
“Russia, I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing. I think it’s disgusting,” Trump told reporters.
In July, he warned Moscow it had 50 days to end the war, threatening severe tariffs on oil and other exports.
That timeline has since been revised multiple times, with a new deadline set to expire on August 8.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy John Kelley, speaking at the United Nations Security Council, called for both Kyiv and Moscow to pursue a ceasefire and a durable peace.
“It is time to make a deal,” Kelley said, emphasizing Washington’s support for renewed diplomatic efforts while backing Ukraine’s right to defend itself.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed what he described as “positive signals” from Washington about fresh sanctions targeting Russian oil exports and secondary markets.
“President Trump has been generous and patient,” Sybiha said. “But now is the time to put maximum pressure on Moscow.”
Germany to Deliver More Patriot Systems
In a show of European solidarity, Germany announced it will deliver two additional U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine in the coming days, reinforcing its air shield amid escalating Russian aerial attacks.
President Zelensky said that in July alone, Russia had launched over 5,100 glide bombs, 3,800 Shahed drones, and 260 missiles, including 128 ballistic.
“Every day matters,” he said. “This can only be stopped through joint efforts – by America, Europe, and other global actors.”
