**Massive Russian Attack on Kyiv Leaves Two Dead and 16 Injured**
In a shocking turn of events, Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, was hit by a massive overnight attack from Russia, killing at least two people and injuring 16 others. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the devastating news, saying that the attack involved 18 missiles and about 400 drones.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, with residents’ sleep being interrupted for three hours as drones and missiles converged on the capital. The authorities reported that drone wreckage struck the roof of a residential building, causing fires to break out across the city.
According to reports from Ukraine’s police, Russian drone strikes hit eight districts in Kyiv, targeting residential buildings, vehicles, warehouses, office, and non-residential buildings. A 68-year-old woman and a 22-year-old police officer at a metro station were among those killed.
**UN Reports Increased Civilian Casualties**
This latest attack comes on the heels of a UN report that showed June recording the highest monthly civilian casualties in three years, with 232 people killed and 1,343 injured. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) reported that civilians were killed or injured in at least 16 regions of Ukraine.
**Escalating Situation**
The attack has further escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine’s allies, with Europe working on a new package of sanctions against Russia. US President Donald Trump has also weighed in, saying that Russia is “stepping up terror” and calling for faster action from the international community.
In response to the attack, Zelensky urged partners to act faster in providing financial support for producing interceptor drones and air defense supplies. The US had previously halted shipments of some critical air defense arms but has since resumed sending some weapons to Ukraine.
**Diplomatic Breakthrough Unlikely**
The latest attack suggests that a diplomatic breakthrough between Russia and Ukraine may be unlikely, with Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, stating that diplomacy had been exhausted. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has also spoken in similar terms.
As the international community grapples with how to protect Ukraine and punish Russia, attention is shifting towards how to safeguard Ukraine’s airspace. A two-day conference on Ukraine’s recovery, attended by delegates from 77 countries, will take place in Rome on Thursday.
**What Next?**
With renewed attention on protecting Ukraine’s airspace, the international community may be looking for ways to prevent similar attacks in the future. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is set to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of a summit in Malaysia later on Thursday.
The situation remains tense and volatile, with both sides digging in their heels. As the conflict escalates, it’s clear that finding a solution will be more challenging than ever.
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