Russia launches missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing three

At least three people were killed and more than a dozen others were injured after Russia carried out a heavy overnight assault on Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones, Ukrainian officials said  on Saturday (1 August).

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko, debris from intercepted missiles struck a five-story apartment building in the Solomianskyi district, causing significant damage and igniting a fire in the courtyard. Emergency crews were working to rescue residents believed to be trapped inside the building.

Klitschko also reported that another residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district partially collapsed on its first and second floors, leaving additional people trapped. In the Darnytskyi district, several warehouse buildings caught fire as a result of the attack.

The latest strike occurred just two days after Russia launched another large-scale missile and drone offensive across Ukraine, which left 10 civilians dead and more than 50 injured. During that attack, one Russian missile briefly entered Polish airspace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued to urge the United States and its Western allies to provide additional Patriot air defense systems to strengthen Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian ballistic missiles.

On Friday (31 July) evening, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with US Vice President JD Vance about his recent meeting in Washington with President Donald Trump, describing the discussions as constructive and encouraging.

In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy stressed that Russia's aerial attacks remain relentless and reiterated that acquiring more Patriot missile interceptors is one of Ukraine's most urgent defense priorities.

During the NATO summit in Ankara in July, Trump said the United States would allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot systems under license. However, speaking at a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, he indicated that no final decision had yet been made on the proposal.