**American Volunteer Killed in Ukraine Becomes First US Civilian Victim of Russian Strike**
A devastating mass missile attack by Russia on Kyiv has claimed the life of Fred Grandy, a 62-year-old American artist and volunteer. According to reports from The New York Times (NYT), Grandy’s death marks the first time a U.S. civilian has been killed in a Russian aerial attack against Ukraine.
**A Devastating Attack**
On June 17, Russia launched a massive assault on Kyiv, pounding the capital with hundreds of kamikaze drones and multiple missiles over a nine-hour period. The attack left 28 people dead and around 140 injured. Among those who lost their lives was Grandy, who had arrived in Ukraine just weeks earlier to volunteer his services.
**A Volunteer’s Passion**
Grandy, a U.S. citizen from the United States, had hoped to volunteer in Ukraine for five or six months. His sister, Siestka Reed, told the NYT that her brother had been driven by a desire to make a difference and was particularly upset by former President Donald Trump’s lack of support for Kyiv.
“He thought, you just don’t let a bully do that stuff, and you don’t just abandon people,” Reed said. “He believed that people need a hand up.”
**Russia’s Escalating Attacks**
The attack on Kyiv is part of Russia’s escalating aerial assault on Ukraine in recent weeks. Moscow has launched record-breaking attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The NYT reports that Russian drone and missile attacks have surged in May and June, with many civilian targets hit.
**US Response**
Meanwhile, Trump’s interest in securing a ceasefire in Ukraine appears to have fizzled out. He left the G7 Leaders Summit early, jettisoning a much-anticipated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and barely responded to the mass attack on Kyiv. The NYT reports that Trump refuses to sanction Russia and is reportedly obstructing congressional efforts to toughen sanctions on Russian oil profits.
**A Tragic Loss**
Grandy’s death marks a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the people of Ukraine who were inspired by his courage and selflessness. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, it is clear that more needs to be done to support those affected and to bring an end to Russia’s aggression.
**Read More**
For more information on this story, please visit [kyivindependent.com](http://kyivindependent.com).
