KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – The death toll from a significant Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv has surged to 23, including four children, according to officials on Friday. This attack occurs amidst ongoing U.S.-led efforts to resolve the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which seem to be at an impasse.
In response to the devastating attack, authorities in the Kyiv region declared an official day of mourning. Flags were flown at half-staff, and all entertainment events were canceled as the city grieved. The assault involved nearly 600 drones and over 30 missiles launched overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, marking a rare attack on downtown Kyiv.
Rescue workers were able to pull 17 individuals from the rubble following the strikes, including four children, as stated by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The youngest victim of this tragedy was identified as a 2-year-old girl. Authorities confirmed that some bodies remain unidentified and that eight individuals are still unaccounted for, while more than 50 others sustained injuries.
Amid this tragedy, thousands of personnel from the Interior Ministry's agencies and units participated in a non-stop 30-hour rescue operation at the strike sites in Kyiv, adhering to a rigorous rotation every few hours. The persistence of these operations underscores the grievous impact of the latest offensive.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and ultimately achieve a comprehensive peace settlement have yielded no progress, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to engage in American-mediated peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last week, Trump indicated he would decide on future actions within two weeks if direct negotiations are not established.
Despite the severity of the situation, the Trump administration refrained from publicly condemning the latest missile attack on Kyiv. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the assault by highlighting Ukraine's own military actions against Russian oil refineries.
European Union defense ministers united in expressing outrage on Friday regarding Russia's relentless attacks against Ukraine, pledging to intensify pressure on Moscow. Meanwhile, Putin is expected to attend a summit in China that will include leaders from Iran and North Korea—nations known to support Russia's military endeavors. World leaders are also anticipated to convene at the United Nations General Assembly starting September 9, where they will likely discuss the ramifications of Russia's invasion.
Western officials are working on security guarantees aimed at preventing another Russian invasion should a peace agreement be reached. President Zelenskyy remarked that there has been no change in Russia's stance on halting its military operations. While Ukraine has accepted a proposal for a ceasefire and a potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity for increased international pressure on the Russian economy through sanctions and tariffs.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy lamented that Russia has not shown any willingness to end the violence, highlighting Putin's ongoing interest in continuing the war. Recent analyses from the Atlantic Council, a think tank based in Washington, indicate that past American administrations have been hesitant to adopt a more assertive stance against Putin, primarily out of fear of provoking a nuclear confrontation. They remarked on Putin's belief that Washington and its allies have the capability to reverse his territorial gains in Ukraine, but he may doubt their political will to do so.
Overall, the enduring conflict in Ukraine presents significant challenges for leaders in the region and across the globe as they navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and strive for a resolution.
