31 Killed in Russian Strikes on Kyiv as Ukraine Urges UN Action

On the night of July 30–31, 2025, Kyiv suffered a devastating wave of Russian drone and missile strikes targeting residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure. As of August 1, the death toll stands at 31 civilians, including five children, marking the city’s deadliest air assault since the full-scale invasion began in early 2022.

The attack injured over 150 people, with at least 16 children among the wounded. A nine story apartment building was destroyed, and more than 100 other structures including schools, hospitals, and universities—were damaged.
In the wake of the destruction, Kyiv declared a day of mourning, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the strike as evidence of Russia’s continued targeting of civilians. He called for stronger international sanctions and insisted that those supporting such violence must be punished. He also revealed that in July alone, Russia launched more than 3,800 drones and nearly 260 missiles—including 128 ballistic types.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that entire families including young children were killed at home as rescue workers recovered two more bodies, including that of a two year old child.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged the United Nations to convene an urgent Security Council meeting on August 1, under the agenda item “Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.” Ukraine aims to galvanize international condemnation and secure a call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire.
Western leaders swiftly condemned the attack. In Germany, officials announced a plan to deliver two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, with initial components arriving soon. Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden pledged financial support for the deployment of additional systems.
U.S. President Donald Trump called the strikes “disgusting” and set a deadline of August 8 for Russia to agree to peace negotiations or face tougher economic sanctions, including secondary measures targeting Russian oil exports. A U.S. envoy is reportedly being sent to attempt diplomatic outreach.
Top Ukrainian officials including Andriy Yermak, President Zelenskyy’s chief aide—have been in consultations with counterparts in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the U.S. to coordinate responses, including discussions on a proposed bilateral Ukraine–U.S. security agreement supported by European allies.
As Kyiv reels from the tragic loss, the international spotlight intensifies over calls for united pressure on Moscow to end its campaign of terror against civilians.

Sources:
Reuters, AP News, The Guardian, Washington Post