**Russian Airstrikes on Kyiv Leave 28 Dead and Scores Injured**
A devastating barrage of Russian drones and missiles has struck several districts of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, leaving at least 28 people dead and over 150 others wounded. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, was one of the most intense since US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow if a ceasefire was not agreed upon by August 8.
Among the dead were three children, aged 3, 6, and 17, who were killed when an apartment block collapsed. The interior ministry in Ukraine reported that a total of 159 people were injured in the attack, with many more still trapped under the rubble.
The high-pitched hum of Russian drones could be heard for hours over the city, punctuated by the loud thunderclap of missile strikes. Despite air defenses successfully destroying many of the incoming missiles and drones, several hits were recorded, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
**US Threatens Sanctions, But Russia Continues to Attack**
The attack comes as US President Trump continues to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire. On Monday, Trump cut the deadline for a truce from 50 days to just “ten or 12 days”, saying that he was disappointed with Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Despite this, Russian attacks have continued unabated, with Moscow launching a total of 309 drones and eight cruise missiles during the night. The US has warned that further sanctions will be imposed if Putin fails to comply with Trump’s demands.
**Russia Claims Success on the Battlefield**
Meanwhile, Russia has claimed success on the battlefield, saying that it has captured the strategically important hilltop town of Chasiv Yar in the eastern Donetsk region. However, Ukraine denies this, and military analysts say that fighting is still ongoing in the area.
The capture of Chasiv Yar would give Russia a significant vantage point to target the big cities of the Donetsk region, including Druzhivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk. Ukrainian forces have faced superior Russian manpower on the front lines throughout the war, but reported shortages in the east have left another key Russian target increasingly vulnerable.
**A Horrific Morning in Kyiv**
Kyiv’s mayor described the attack as a “horrible morning” for the city, with several of its main institutions damaged, including a hospital ward for children and one of its higher education institutions. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on the international community to put “maximum pressure on Moscow” through sanctions.
As the situation in Kyiv continues to unfold, it is clear that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains at a critical juncture. The threat of further US sanctions has done little to persuade Putin to change course, and the people of Kyiv are paying the price for this continued aggression.
**A Critical Situation on the Front Line**
In eastern Ukraine, the situation is equally dire, with Ukrainian forces facing superior Russian manpower and reported shortages in key areas. Analysts warn that the town of Pokrovsk, which lies about 60km to the south-west of Chasiv Yar, could be at risk of encirclement from Russian troops.
As the war rages on, it is clear that a peaceful resolution is still far off. The international community must continue to put pressure on Russia to cease its aggression and negotiate a lasting peace with Ukraine.
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