Russian Strikes on Kyiv Kill 6, Injure Dozens Despite U.S. Ceasefire Warning

A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least six people, including a child, and injured over 50. Despite U.S. President Trump’s warning of sanctions, Russia launched over 300 projectiles. President Zelensky called the assault a rejection of peace, and rescue efforts continue.

At least six people have been killed and more than 50 others injured in a wave of Russian drone and missile strikes that hit multiple districts of Kyiv, collapsing a residential apartment block and causing widespread destruction, according to Ukrainian officials. Among the deceased was a six-year-old boy. Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, stated that the death toll could rise as more than two dozen sites across the capital sustained damage.

Throughout the night, the high-pitched hum of Russian drones lingered over the city, sporadically interrupted by the deafening blasts of missile impacts. The resulting destruction cast a red-orange glow across parts of the city, signaling widespread devastation on the ground.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire by August 8, the attacks have continued unabated. According to Ukraine's air force, Russia launched 309 drones and cruise missiles overnight. Although Ukrainian air defenses succeeded in intercepting some of the incoming threats, many managed to reach their targets.

One missile strike hit a residential high-rise, completely demolishing an entire section of the building. "Rescuers are clearing the rubble," said Interior Minister Igor Klymenko, who also confirmed that three of the victims were found at that location.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, framing it as a direct and violent rebuttal to diplomatic efforts. “The world has yet again seen Russia’s response to our, America’s, and Europe’s desire for peace. More demonstrative murder,” he said. “This is why peace without strength is impossible.”

The Sviatoshynsky and Solomyansky districts of Kyiv were among the worst affected, with one person killed and 20 others injured in those areas, according to Klymenko. In the Shevchenkivsky district, shockwaves from the blasts shattered windows in a children’s hospital ward, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on Telegram.

Educational facilities were also affected. A university, a school, and a kindergarten sustained damage during the overnight barrage. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attack as a "horrible morning" and noted that rescue operations were still underway with people believed to be trapped under the debris.

Sybiha also commented on the international response, saying Trump had been “very generous and patient” with Putin, but that the time had come to apply “maximum pressure on Moscow” through more severe sanctions.

Earlier in July, Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum for the Kremlin to reach a truce with Kyiv or face economic penalties. During a recent visit to the UK, he announced that the deadline had been shortened to “ten or twelve days,” expressing clear dissatisfaction with Putin’s conduct. Trump stopped short of accusing the Russian leader of lying but pointed to a clear gap between their private conversations and Russia’s ongoing attacks.

“We were going to have a ceasefire and maybe peace... and all of a sudden you have missiles flying into Kyiv and other places,” Trump said.