Kyiv Missile Strike August 2025: Ukraine Mourns 31 Dead, Including 5 Children

Ukraine marked a day of mourning on Friday after a Russian drone and missile attack killed 31 people in Kyiv, including five children. The deadly assault on Thursday evening left over 150 people injured and damaged more than 100 buildings across the capital.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the youngest victim was just 2 years old. Sixteen of the injured were children. The strike was the deadliest in Kyiv since July 2024 and marked the highest number of child casualties in a single attack since air raids began in October 2022.

The missiles destroyed a large section of a nine-story residential building and hit homes, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and universities. The tragedy sparked fresh calls for international action.

Russia Escalates Despite Global Warnings

Russia has intensified its attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine, ignoring repeated calls from Western leaders—including U.S. President Donald Trump—to stop targeting populated zones. Trump previously warned Russia to halt the bombings and proposed an August 8 deadline for a ceasefire.

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed hopes for a breakthrough. “Any disappointments arise from excessive expectations,” he said, reiterating Russia’s terms for peace. He acknowledged recent talks in Istanbul but confirmed no progress beyond prisoner exchanges.

Meanwhile, Putin announced the start of production on a new hypersonic missile system, claiming it could evade all air defenses.

Zelenskyy Renews Call for Sanctions

President Zelenskyy urged world leaders to strengthen sanctions against Russia. In July alone, Russia launched over 5,100 glide bombs, 3,800 Shahed drones, and nearly 260 missiles, including 128 ballistic ones.

“Sanctions are working and must be stronger,” Zelenskyy said, responding to Trump’s remark that sanctions “may not bother” Putin.

Ukraine has requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to push for a full and immediate ceasefire.

Frontline Tensions Mount in Chasiv Yar

In eastern Ukraine, the battle continues in Chasiv Yar, a strategic hilltop city in Donetsk. Russian troops claim to have taken control, but Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces are still holding their positions.

However, the Institute for the Study of War warned that Russian control of Chasiv Yar could lead to broader attacks on Ukraine’s fortified cities in Donetsk.

To counter the offensive, Ukraine has launched drone strikes targeting Russian oil depots, railways, and arsenals. Russia claims to have intercepted 60 drones overnight, while Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 44 out of 72 incoming drones.

Conclusion

The Kyiv missile strike on August 1 underscores the growing human cost of the war. As global leaders debate next steps, Ukraine faces increasing pressure on multiple fronts. The path to peace remains uncertain—but the urgency is clear.