Kyiv Grieves Again, as Russia Pounds Capital: Once again, Kyiv is reeling.
Russia inflicted one of its deadliest attacks on the Ukrainian capital in months earlier this week.
31 people are estimated to have been killed, including a two-year-old, while 150 others were injured.
Day of Mourning Declared in Ukraine
Following the tragedy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a day of mourning for the “vile” attack.
He also reiterated his call for harsher sanctions on Moscow, and his country’s need for better air defences.
“These attacks will not stop unless the pressure on Moscow increases,” he said, warning that schools and hospitals were among 27 civilian sites hit.
The strikes come just as U.S. President Donald Trump’s self-imposed deadline for a ceasefire draws closer.
Trump, who had initially given Russia 50 days to halt its offensive, has shortened the deadline repeatedly — now giving President Putin until August 8 to act or face fresh U.S. sanctions.
Trump Brands Putin ‘Disgusting’
“I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
But he admitted, “I don’t know that sanctions bother him,” casting doubt on whether economic pressure will change Moscow’s course.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Moscow this week, although there has been no word on whether he will meet Putin.
Meanwhile, European officials are sounding the alarm.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Russia’s behaviour as “depraved” and said bolstering Ukraine’s air defence is now a top priority.
Germany, already one of Ukraine’s biggest military backers, has announced it will send two more Patriot systems — part of a fast-track deal with the U.S. to upgrade its defences in return.
Almost 4000 Drones Fired at Ukraine Last Month
According to President Zelenskyy, July alone saw more than 3,800 drones and nearly 260 missiles fired at Ukrainian targets — a staggering pace of attack that is pushing Ukraine’s resources to the brink.
At the same time, Trump is facing criticism for suspending the Biden-era humanitarian program that allowed over 180,000 Ukrainian refugees to live in the U.S. Now, many of those fleeing the war are reportedly being quietly encouraged to leave.
Adding further strain, Washington’s relationship with India is showing signs of tension. Trump recently imposed new tariffs on Indian goods and expressed frustration at New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a “point of irritation.”
As Kyiv buries its dead, global pressure is building — but whether Trump’s looming sanctions deadline will be enough to rein in the Kremlin remains to be seen.
About the Author: Georgia Gilholy
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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