Kyiv, Aug 28 (AP) A significant Russian air assault on Kyiv early Thursday resulted in a rare strike on the city center and caused damage to the European Union's diplomatic offices. The attack claimed at least 17 lives and injured 48 more, authorities reported.
This offensive, comprising drones and missiles, marked the first major Russian attack on Kyiv in weeks amidst ongoing US-led peace efforts struggling to end the three-year conflict. The attack prompted Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, to announce plans to summon Russia's EU envoy to Brussels.
Two senior Ukrainian envoys were scheduled to meet with the Trump administration on Friday to discuss mediation efforts.
Despite acknowledging the air assault, the Kremlin expressed continued interest in pursuing peace talks. The Thursday attack stands as one of the most significant incidents in the conflict since its onset in 2022.
Tragically, the deceased included four children aged between 2 and 17, according to Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv's city administration, with expected increases in casualty figures.
Rare Attack on Central Kyiv The strike represented a rare penetration by Russian drones and missiles into central Kyiv since the escalation of the invasion.
Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 598 strike drones and decoys, along with 31 missiles of various types nationwide early Thursday, chiefly targeting locations in Kyiv.
At least 33 sites across the city’s 10 districts were either directly hit or impacted by debris, according to Tkachenko. The attack shattered thousands of windows and damaged nearly 100 buildings, including a central shopping mall.
Following a missile strike on a residential building in the Darnytsia district, Oleksandr Khilko arrived at the scene, where he rescued three survivors, including a young boy. Khilko described the attacks as “inhuman” and expressed an urgent desire for the war's conclusion.
EU and UK Summon Russian Envoys European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen described two missile strikes landing close to the EU Mission to Ukraine building. Despite the impact, no staff were reported injured.
Kaja Kallas responded on X, stating the EU would summon the Russian envoy in Brussels due to diplomatic missions being inappropriate targets.
The British Council also reported severe damage to its Kyiv office, affecting operations. A guard was injured but is reportedly in stable condition, according to the council’s chief executive, Scott McDonald.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for “sabotaging” peace hopes, deeming the strikes “senseless.” The Russian ambassador in London was summoned in response.
Stalled Diplomatic Efforts The Russian mass drone and missile attack targeted Kyiv shortly after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Putin in Alaska aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia, stating it chooses aggressive measures over diplomacy and urged for international actions supporting peace.
While diplomatic overtures seemed to progress post-meeting, detailed next steps remain undisclosed. Western leaders accuse Putin of prolonging negotiations while Russian forces expand their presence in Ukraine. This week, Ukrainian military sources confirmed Russian gains in an eighth region.
Zelenskyy reiterated calls for intensified US sanctions to pressure Russia economically amid ongoing hostilities, following Thursday's attack.
President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Putin's reluctance toward arranging direct negotiations with Zelenskyy. Trump anticipates determining further actions if talks do not proceed within two weeks.
Russia Targets 'Military Industrial Complex' Russia's Defence Ministry stated the attack aimed at Ukraine's military-industrial complexes, utilizing long-range weapons, including Kinzhal missiles, asserting successful strikes on intended targets.
Increased Ukrainian arms production operates discreetly, blending with civilian areas that possess defensive advantages, resulting in unfortunate civilian casualties during claimed assaults on defense sites.
Russian authorities reported shooting down 102 Ukrainian drones overnight. Also, drone activities reportedly induced fires at oil refineries in Krasnodar and Samara regions, exacerbating regional fuel shortages.
Ukraine's sustained drone offenses against Russian oil facilities aim to hinder Russia's war economy, resulting in noticeable regional fuel scarcity and increased prices.
Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine's national railway operator, cited infrastructural damages in Vinnytsia and Kyiv, necessitating route changes and service delays. (AP) NPK NPK
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