Russia hits Kyiv with a “massive” overnight barrage that killed at least four people and wounded around 30, according to Ukrainian officials. Those killed include a 14-year-old girl. Five children aged seven to 17 suffered injuries, said Tymur Tkachenko, who leads the city’s military administration.
Missiles, Drones and Damage Across Districts
Authorities say Moscow launched ballistic and cruise missiles alongside Iranian-designed Shahed drones from multiple directions, aiming at residential areas. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage across several districts. A five-storey block collapsed in Darnytsky, while a central shopping mall also took a hit. As explosions lit up the sky, AFP journalists saw red tracer rounds as defenders tried to down incoming drones; at least one missile appeared to be intercepted. Around 100 residents sheltered in a subway station, some with pets and sleeping bags.
Wider Battlefield Pressure and Recent Attacks
The latest strikes follow one of Kyiv’s worst days of the war on 31 July, when more than 30 people—including five children—died. Elsewhere on Thursday, Ukrainian officials reported a Russian strike in the Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, Russian authorities said they destroyed over 100 Ukrainian drones overnight; a Ukrainian attack sparked a fire at an oil refinery in Krasnodar, with no casualties reported.
Diplomacy Stalls as Fighting Grinds on
Russia hits Kyiv as diplomacy falters. After a high-profile Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin—and subsequent talks with Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies—progress remains scarce. Kyiv wants firm Western security guarantees before any deal; Moscow dismisses those demands and objects to potential Western peacekeepers. Zelensky said his team will meet US officials in New York on Friday, warning of “arrogant and negative signals” from Moscow and urging added pressure to force real steps toward peace.
