Russian bombardment kills dozens in deadly strike on Kyiv

In Ukraine, a devastating strike occurred on the morning of Thursday, July 31, 2025, during a heavy bombardment by Russian forces. The assault on Kyiv led to the tragic loss of 31 lives, making it the deadliest single attack on the capital in the past year. Most victims were killed in a direct hit on a nine-story apartment building located in the Sviatoshynskyi district. Emergency services reported that they have recovered bodies, including those of five children, and at least 159 people sustained injuries during the blast. Rescue operations were ongoing as workers cleared debris to search for survivors. The attack on Kyiv was part of a broader pattern of aerial assaults targeting multiple regions in Ukraine, including Donetsk and Kharkiv. Reports indicated that a five-story building in Kramatorsk was also affected, resulting in additional casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, emphasizing the necessity for increased pressure on Russia and stronger sanctions in response to its actions. This level of bombardment has reportedly increased markedly this year, indicating a strategic shift in Russia's military approach towards Ukraine. Throughout July, Russian forces employed an alarming number of munitions, including over 5,100 glide bombs, more than 3,800 drones, and nearly 260 missiles. This escalation poses a significant threat to civilian areas, as the frequency of drone and missile strikes has risen dramatically. Analysts have noted that the intervals between large-scale attacks have shortened significantly, with assault frequencies now occurring as often as every two days. The number of munitions used in these attacks has also increased significantly over the years. Ukrainian officials, along with civil society, have called for international support and collaboration to help mitigate the impacts of these continued assaults. The situation remains dire as civilian structures are at risk, accompanied by calls for stricter sanctions against Russia to deter further aggression. The intense bombardments, especially in civilian neighborhoods, highlight the ongoing human cost of the conflict and reinforce the urgent need for a resolution to the predicament faced by Ukraine.