Ukrainians mourn 31 killed in Russian strike on Kyiv

Ukrainian emergency teams pulled over a dozen more bodies from the debris of a collapsed apartment building in Kyiv overnight, raising the death toll to 31 from Russia’s deadliest airstrike on the capital in 2024.

Among the victims was a two-year-old child, one of five children confirmed dead after Thursday’s massive assault involving missiles and drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Friday. The rescue operation, which lasted more than 24 hours, has now concluded.

Russia launched over 300 drones and eight missiles in multiple waves during Thursday’s attack — part of an intensifying campaign targeting Ukrainian cities. In total, 159 people were injured.

The worst destruction occurred in the Sviatoshyn district of western Kyiv, where part of a residential building collapsed. Other parts of the city also sustained damage in at least three separate districts.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday condemned Russia’s actions as “disgusting,” though he expressed uncertainty about whether sanctions could effectively deter Moscow. He gave President Vladimir Putin a deadline of August 8 to reach a deal or face economic pressure.

However, not everyone is convinced by Trump’s threats.
“Trump says, ‘I’m upset with President Putin’s behaviour.’ And then what? Nothing happens,” said 65-year-old Natalia Matviyenko, sitting near the damaged building.

While Trump initially took a more conciliatory stance toward Russia, he has recently shifted and indicated he may support providing weapons to Ukraine. Yet diplomatic negotiations remain stalled, as Moscow continues to insist on demands that Ukraine and its allies consider excessive.

“Will Putin Even Listen?”
On Friday, mourners gathered at the ruined building, laying flowers and lighting candles. A makeshift memorial of stuffed animals marked the site, while excavators cleared rubble.

Oksana Kinal, 43, came to honor a colleague who died with her son in the attack. She said she hoped Trump would follow through on his threats but remained skeptical.
“America has many ways to pressure Russia,” she said. “But will Putin listen? I’m not sure.”

Ukraine’s air force reported Friday that more than 6,000 Russian drones and missiles were shot down across the country in July alone.

“Everything the world needs to hold Russia accountable is already in its hands,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on X. “What’s missing is not the ability — it’s the will.”