**Russia’s Missile Attack on Kyiv Leaves 31 Dead, 159 Injured**
A devastating Russian missile attack on July 31 targeted a residential high-rise in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi district. The direct hit from the high-explosive warhead struck between the fifth and sixth floors of the nine-story building, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
**Delicate Rescue Efforts**
Rescue efforts were delayed due to the complexity of recovering bodies from under heavy concrete slabs without causing further damage. “People who were in their rooms, in corridors, hiding behind two walls — most of them were killed,” Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko explained during a briefing with Suspilne. The rescue team paused operations for two hours after finding a child’s body, ensuring it was recovered intact.
**Rising Death Toll**
By the morning of August 1, rescuers completed debris removal at the destroyed building, revealing an even higher death toll than initially reported. A total of 31 people lost their lives in the attack, including five children. The previous night, 28 deaths were confirmed, with three children among them.
**Injuries and Aftermath**
The Russian attack on July 31 also left 159 people injured, 16 of whom are children. Today, Kyiv has declared a Day of Mourning for the victims. Residents have been bringing flowers and candles to the site of the destroyed building as a sign of respect and solidarity with those affected.
**Commentary**
This tragic event highlights the devastating consequences of Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. The high-explosive warhead used in the attack on Kyiv’s residential high-rise is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of such military tactics, which often target civilian areas and infrastructure. The response from rescue teams was crucial in minimizing further damage and recovering bodies safely.
**Analysis**
The rising death toll and increased number of injured civilians underscore the need for international pressure to bring an end to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The impact on civilians and infrastructure can be long-lasting, causing immense trauma and economic burden. It is imperative that the international community takes decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable for such atrocities.
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