Ukrainians Mourn as Russian Strike Kills 31 in Kyiv

Ukrainians gathered on Friday, August 1, to mourn the victims of Russia’s deadliest airstrike on Kyiv this year.

Reuters confirmed that Rescuers found more bodies in the rubble overnight, raising the death toll to 31.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that five children died, including a two-year-old.

The multi-wave attack hit early Thursday.

Russia launched over 300 drones and eight missiles across several Ukrainian cities.

In Kyiv’s Sviatoshyn district, a residential building collapsed. Other districts also reported serious damage from missile blasts.

Over 150 people suffered injuries in the Kyiv strike. Sixteen of them were children, officials said.

President Zelenskiy visited affected areas and spoke with survivors. He promised help and support from the government.

In Kharkiv, another Russian drone attack injured ten people, including three children.

A five-month-old baby was among the injured.

The attack in Kharkiv came just one day after the Kyiv strike.

Hospitals are still treating several victims.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned Russia’s actions, calling them “disgusting.”

However, he questioned whether sanctions would stop the violence.

Trump warned that Russia has until August 8 to reach a peace deal. Otherwise, he plans to apply economic pressure.

He also ordered two nuclear submarines to move into “appropriate regions” following threats from Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev.

Despite the strong words, Ukrainians expressed doubt.

Some questioned whether Trump’s threats would change anything.

“Trump talks, but we see no action,” said Natalia Matviyenko, 65, near a damaged building in Kyiv.

At the strike site, mourners lit candles and laid flowers. Bright toys and stuffed animals covered a makeshift shrine.

Oksana Kinal, 43, honored her co-worker and her son, both killed in the strike. She urged stronger action.

“America has leverage,” she said. “But will Putin care? I don’t know.”

Ukrainian air defences reportedly downed over 6,000 drones and missiles in July alone.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko urged global action. She said the world has tools to stop Russia but lacks the will.

The war continues, but Ukraine remains defiant. Citizens, leaders, and soldiers press on despite mounting losses.

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