Kyiv Hit Hard: Deadly Attack Claims 31 Lives as Russia Advances
KYIV, Ukraine – August 2, 2025: A massive Russian drone and missile attack has left Kyiv reeling, with the death toll climbing to 31, including five children. Over 150 people are injured, making this the deadliest single attack on the Ukrainian capital in more than a year. The strike, which hammered a residential building and other civilian areas, comes as Russia ramps up its military push on the front lines, reportedly gaining ground in the eastern Donetsk region.
What Happened in the Attack
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Russia launched a huge aerial assault on Kyiv. The attack involved over 300 drones and eight missiles. A nine-story residential building took a direct hit, leaving a large part of it in ruins. Rescue teams worked tirelessly for over 24 hours, pulling bodies from the wreckage.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the end of the rescue operation on Friday, August 1. He shared that the youngest victim was only two years old, and 16 of the injured were children. Tragically, this attack saw the highest number of children killed and injured in Kyiv since the aerial campaign started in late 2022.
Beyond the residential building, over 100 other buildings were damaged, including schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and universities. The broad range of targets suggests a deliberate aim to hit civilian infrastructure, drawing sharp condemnation from around the world.
Russia’s Military Push
This devastating attack in Kyiv comes as Russian forces are making notable advances on the battlefield. According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia’s territorial gains have been increasing steadily over the past few months.
Reports say that Russian troops have moved into the city of Pokrovsk and have probably seized control of Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in the Donetsk region. Taking Chasiv Yar would be a big win for Russia, as it’s located on a hilltop and serves as a key defensive position for Ukraine. It could also open the way for attacks on other fortified cities.
The Ukrainian military denies that it has lost control of Chasiv Yar. Even so, maps from open-source intelligence groups show that Russian forces control most of the town. The Kremlin claims its forces are in complete control of the city.
Global Response and Political Pressure
The attack on Kyiv has sparked outrage from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump called the strikes disgusting, even though his administration has faced criticism for its shifting policies on the conflict.
The attack happened just days before a deadline set by President Trump. He has given Russian President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to agree to a ceasefire or face new U.S. sanctions and tariffs. But this ultimatum doesn’t seem to be changing Russia’s military plans.
Putin hasn’t shown any signs of changing his position, saying that Russia has the upper hand in the war. He stated that any peace agreement must be built on solid foundations that would satisfy both Russia and Ukraine and ensure the security of both countries, without offering any compromises.
Allies Support Ukraine
Ukraine is calling for more military aid, especially air defense systems, in response to the latest attack. Germany said on Friday that it would soon send two more U.S.-made Patriot missile launchers to Ukraine, following an agreement with the U.S.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, described the attacks as depraved. She repeated that providing more weapons and imposing tougher sanctions on Russia are the quickest ways to end the war, and that getting more air defenses to Ukraine fast is our priority.
The United Nations Security Council met to discuss the crisis. The UK’s Permanent Representative condemned the strikes and offered condolences to the victims. The discussion showed the deep disagreements within the council, with Russia’s representative accusing the West of fueling a proxy war.
