31 dead in overnight Russian assault on Kyiv, Ukraine marks day of mourning

At least 31 people, including women and children, were killed in a series of ongoing missile and drone strikes by Russia on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Around 150 others were injured. The attacks occurred between late Thursday night (July 31) and early Friday morning.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the news on Saturday (August 2) in a message on Telegram. He said, “Among the dead are 16 children and teenagers. The youngest was just two years old. Ukraine is observing a national day of mourning today in memory of the victims.”

According to Zelensky, the Russian attacks damaged more than 100 structures across Kyiv and other areas, including residential buildings, homes, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and university buildings. A large section of a nine-story apartment building in the capital was completely destroyed.

He also said, “It is still unclear how many people may be trapped under the rubble. Rescue workers are continuing efforts at the scene.”

According to the Associated Press (AP), this is the deadliest attack on children in Kyiv since Russia began airstrikes on the city in October 2022. Last July, another overnight drone and missile attack by Russia killed 33 people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. At the time, he claimed the target would only be Ukraine’s military infrastructure. However, eight months later, in October 2022, Russian forces struck Kyiv for the first time.

Zelensky also revealed that in the month of July alone, Russia launched over 5,100 glide bombs, more than 3,800 Shahed drones, and around 260 missiles across Ukraine. Among them, 128 were ballistic missiles.