Record‑Breaking Drone Assault on Kyiv Claims 31 Lives
Morning Strike Leaves Children in Mourning
Early Thursday, a coordinated missile‑and‑drone barrage struck Kyiv, killing 31 people, five of whom were children.
Rescue teams recovered bodies from a nine‑storey apartment block that had been demolished by a missile.
Among the deceased was a two‑year‑old child, whose family laid flowers at the scene to honor the loss.
Russian Leadership Demands “Unchanged” War Conditions
President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia seeks a final settlement of the invasion, insisting Ukraine withdraw from any territory it already controls and abandon NATO ambitions forever.
Putin stated, “The main goal is to eliminate the causes that gave rise to this crisis.” He called for a durable peace that satisfies both Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Calls for Direct Talks
Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that rescue operations had ended and suggested that only Putin can end the war.
He renewed his appeal for a meeting between the two leaders, emphasizing that the U.S. has proposed a framework that Ukraine supports.
“We need Russia’s readiness,” Zelensky wrote on X.
International Reactions to the Latest Strikes
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the attacks as “depraved,” flagging the EU’s flag at half mast.
She urged the addition of more air‑defence systems and tougher sanctions on Russia as urgent priorities.
Germany announced that it will soon deliver two U.S.‑made Patriot launchers to Ukraine, adding to the three already supplied since February 2022.
U.S. President Accuses Russia of “Disgusting” Actions
Donald Trump condemned Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, calling it “disgusting.”
He proposed new sanctions and expressed intent to send special envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Russia.
Trump said the U.S. has issued a 10‑day ultimatum for Moscow to halt its invasion or face sanctions.
Essential Summary
Kyiv has suffered a record number of drone attacks, escalating the violence despite international pressure.
Russian and Ukrainian leaders have exchanged fierce statements on war conditions, while the U.S. and EU push for stronger sanctions and air‑defence deliveries.
The conflict continues to intensify, with domestic and international responses shaping the path forward.
