Fires have erupted in a major Russian oil refinery after a Ukrainian drone attack which also hit a military airfield, Ukraine’s drone forces said.
The Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine said they hit a refinery in Ryazan and the Annanefteprodukt oil storage facility in the Voronezh region bordering Ukraine.
Kyiv’s SBU intelligence agency also said its drones had hit Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield, which has been used to launch waves of long-range drones at targets in Ukraine.
The attack comes after Donald Trump said he has sent two nuclear submarines “near Russia” after former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev suggested Moscow could strike the US with a nuclear weapon.
Mr Trump said he was ordering the American vessels after “highly provocative statements of the former president of Russia”.
Mr Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, told the US president to remember Moscow had Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities after Mr Trump threatened further sanctions over the Ukraine war.
Mr Trump said the move was a precautionary measure “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”
Mr Medvedev has frequently wielded nuclear threats and lobbed insults at Western leaders on social media.
Ukraine-Russia latest: Key Points
- Ukraine says it hit Russian oil facilities, military airfield
- Trump sends nuclear submarines near Russia after Medvedev taunt
- Ukrainians mourn 31 killed in Russian strike on Kyiv
- Zelensky calls on allies to bring regime change in Russia
- Zelensky and Starmer 'welcomed' Donald Trump’s 'new deadline on Russia'
Watch: Ukrainian military shares footage of anti-drone operations
18:27 , Alex CroftWarriors of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade are taking down russian drones — Orlan, Lancet, ZALA, Supercam, Albatros — at altitudes of several kilometers.
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 2, 2025
Every enemy wing will have its final flight. pic.twitter.com/rp3AA0OXsa
India to continue purchasing Russian oil despite Trump's threats
17:56 , Alex CroftIndia will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite US president Donald Trump's threats of penalties, two Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday, not wishing to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.
On top of a new 25% tariff on India's exports to the U.S., Trump indicated in a Truth Social post last month that India would face additional penalties for purchases of Russian arms and oil. On Friday, Trump told reporters he had heard that India would no longer be buying oil from Russia.
But the sources said there would be no immediate changes.
"These are long-term oil contracts," one of the sources said. "It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight."
Justifying India's oil purchases from Russia, a second source said India's imports of Russian grades had helped avoid a global surge in oil prices, which have remained subdued despite Western curbs on the Russian oil sector.
Ukraine anti-corruption agencies discover drone graft scheme
17:09 , Alex CroftUkraine's anti-corruption bodies said on Saturday they had uncovered a major graft scheme that procured military drones at inflated prices, two days after the agencies' independence was restored following major protests.
The independence of Ukraine's anti-graft investigators and prosecutors, Nabu and Sapo, was reinstated by parliament on Thursday after a move to take it away resulted in the country's biggest demonstrations since Russia's invasion in 2022.
In a statement published by both agencies on social media, NABU and SAPO said they had caught a sitting lawmaker, two local officials and an unspecified number of national guard personnel taking bribes. None of them were identified in the statement.
"The essence of the scheme was to conclude state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices," it said, adding that the offenders had received kickbacks of up to 30% of a contract's cost. Four people had been arrested.
"There can only be zero tolerance for corruption, clear teamwork to expose corruption and, as a result, a just sentence," president Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Mr Zelensky, who has far-reaching wartime presidential powers and still enjoys broad approval among Ukrainians, was forced into a U-turn when his attempt to bring NABU and SAPO under the control of his prosecutor-general sparked the first nationwide protests of the war.
Three people die in overnight Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia
16:35 , Alexander Butler
Putin not ready to seriously negotiate, says Lammy
16:12 , Alex CroftVladimir Putin is not ready for serious negotiations on peace in Ukraine, UK foreign secretary David Lammy has said in an interview with The Guardian.
"My sober assessment is that Putin is not ready to seriously negotiate,” Mr Lammy told the outlet.
“He still has maximalist and imperialist ambitions. The battle Ukraine has fought, with UK, European and American support, is immense.”
The foreign secretary also spoke of his admiration of the Ukrainian people.
"Even if the world left them behind, they’d still be waging a guerrilla war, such is their belief in their country. It’s deeply inspiring,” he said.
An injured Ukrainian soldier was stuck behind enemy lines for days. He escaped on an e-bike airdropped by a drone
15:52 , Alexander ButlerAn injured Ukrainian soldier stuck behind enemy lines for days was rescued after being delivered an e-bike by a drone.
A video of the dramatic rescue showed a UAV drone airdropping the 40kg bike down to the wounded man, who was surrounded by Russian forces, before he cycled away.
The soldier’s Rubizh brigade said three men were killed by enemy fire during a skirmish in Siversk, northern Ukraine, leaving the soldier on his own for five days.
Fire at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant brought under control, Russian authorities say
15:23 , Alex CroftA fire that broke out near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after Ukrainian shelling has been brought under control, the Russian-installed administration of the Russia-held plant in Ukraine said on Saturday.
Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia plant in the first weeks of Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both sides have accused each other of firing or taking other actions that could trigger a nuclear accident.
The plant's administration said on Telegram that a civilian had been killed in the shelling, but that no plant employees or members of the emergency services had been injured.
The station, Europe's biggest nuclear power plant, is not operating but still requires power to keep its nuclear fuel cool.
The plant's Russia-installed management said radiation levels remained within normal levels and the situation was under control.
No response from Russia officials to Trump move yet
14:19 , Alexander ButlerThere has been no response from the Kremlin, Russian foreign ministry or defence ministry since US president Donald Trump said he had ordered two nuclear submarines “near Russia”.
Putin says Russia's hypersonic missile has entered service and will be deployed in Belarus
13:00 , Alexander Butler
Putin says Russia's hypersonic missile has entered service and will be deployed in Belarus
Russia says its forces captured Oleksandro-Kalynove in eastern Ukraine
11:59 , Alexander ButlerRussia's defence ministry said Russian forces had captured the village of Oleksandro-Kalynove in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region on Saturday
The battlefield report was not immediately verified.
Ukraine says it hit Russian oil facilities, military airfield
11:14 , Alexander ButlerUkraine's military said on Saturday that it had struck oil facilities inside Russia, including a major refinery as well as a military airfield for drones and an electronics factory.
In a statement on Telegram, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces said they had hit the oil refinery in Ryazan, about 180 km (110 miles) southeast of Moscow, causing a fire on its premises.
Also hit, the USF said, was the Annanefteprodukt oil storage facility in the Voronezh region that borders on northeastern Ukraine.
The statement did not specify how the facilities were hit, but the USF specialises in drone warfare, including long-range strikes.
There was no immediate comment from Russia on the reported attacks on its infrastructure sites.
Three people die in overnight Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia
10:00 , Alexander ButlerUkrainian drone attacks overnight into Saturday killed three people, Russian officials said.
Russia's Defence Ministry said air defenses intercepted or destroyed 112 drones across eight Russian regions and the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.
A drone attack on the Rostov region, on the border with Ukraine, killed one person, acting governor Yuri Slyusar said.
Further from the front line, a woman was killed and two other people wounded in a drone strike on business premises in the Penza region, according to regional governor Oleg Melnichenko.
In the Samara region, falling drone debris sparked a fire that killed an elderly resident, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said.
According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 53 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight into Saturday.
It said that air defenses shot down or jammed 45 drones.
Watch: Trump moves two nuclear submarines close to Russia
09:30 , Alexander ButlerTrump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
09:00 , Alexander Butler
Trump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
Trump alarmed by Medvedev's comments as US sends special envoy to Russia
08:39 , Alexander ButlerDonald Trump said later on Friday that he was alarmed by Medvedev's attitude.
"He's got a fresh mouth," Trump said in an interview with Newsmax.
Mr Trump has said that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made.
He cut his 50-day deadline for action to 10 days, with that window set to expire next week.
Who is Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev who has raised the prospect of war?
08:21 , Alexander ButlerDmitry Medvedev was Russia's president from 2008 to 2012, while Vladimir Putin was barred from seeking a third consecutive term, and then stepped aside to let him run again.
Now deputy chairman of Russia's National Security Council, which Vladimir Putin chairs, Medvedev has been known for his provocative and inflammatory statements since the start of the war in 2022. That's a U-turn from his presidency, when he was seen as liberal and progressive.
Mr Medvedev has frequently wielded nuclear threats and lobbed insults at Western leaders on social media. Some observers have argued that with his extravagant rhetoric, Medvedev is seeking to score political points with Putin and Russian military hawks.
One such example before the latest spat with Mr Trump came on 15 July, after Mr Trump announced plans to supply Ukraine with more weapons via its NATO allies and threatened additional tariffs against Moscow.
Mr Medvedev posted then, "Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn't care."
US nuclear submarines 'closer to Russia', says Trump
07:45 , Alexander ButlerTwo US nuclear submarines are closer to Russia, US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Newsmax.
"They are closer to Russia, I assume," the US leader said.
"We always want to be ready. And so I have sent to the region two nuclear submarines.”
Full report | Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines to ‘region’ over Ukraine war rhetoric from Russia’s Medvedev
06:35 , Stuti Mishra
Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines over Ukraine war rhetoric from Medvedev
Europe should see Ukrainian military as European army, says Russian opposition activist
06:05 , Stuti MishraEurope must start seeing the Ukrainian military as a European army, a prominent Russian opposition activist Ilya Yashin said on Friday.
“The Ukrainian army is not only protecting Ukraine, it is protecting Europe from Russian aggression,” he said in a speech addressing Russians in exile at Belgrade concert hall.
Mr Yashin was imprisoned in 2022 for criticising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and released last year. Between February 2022 and 2024, more than 74,000 Russians registered for temporary residence in Serbia, according to the latest interior ministry data.
Two-year-old among 31 dead in Russian attack
05:30 , Stuti MishraA two-year-old was among the five children found dead after Thursday’s Russian drone and missile attack, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Friday, announcing the end of the rescue operation.
The death toll rose to 31 after rescuers recovered more than a dozen more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv overnight.
A total of 159 people were wounded in the strikes, which saw Russia launch more than 300 drones and eight missiles early on Thursday.
Who is Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev who has raised the prospect of war?
05:00 , Stuti MishraDmitry Medvedev was Russia's president from 2008 to 2012, while Vladimir Putin was barred from seeking a third consecutive term, and then stepped aside to let him run again.
Now deputy chairman of Russia's National Security Council, which Vladimir Putin chairs, Medvedev has been known for his provocative and inflammatory statements since the start of the war in 2022. That's a U-turn from his presidency, when he was seen as liberal and progressive.
Mr Medvedev has frequently wielded nuclear threats and lobbed insults at Western leaders on social media. Some observers have argued that with his extravagant rhetoric, Medvedev is seeking to score political points with Putin and Russian military hawks.
One such example before the latest spat with Mr Trump came on 15 July, after Mr Trump announced plans to supply Ukraine with more weapons via its NATO allies and threatened additional tariffs against Moscow.
Mr Medvedev posted then, "Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn't care."
Trump alarmed by Medvedev's comments as US sends special envoy to Russia
04:18 , Stuti MishraDonald Trump said later on Friday that he was alarmed by Medvedev's attitude.
"He's got a fresh mouth," Trump said in an interview with Newsmax.
Mr Trump has said that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made.
He cut his 50-day deadline for action to 10 days, with that window set to expire next week.
Photos of the latest Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv
03:00 , Jabed Ahmed
Photos of the latest Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv
Watch | Trump: It’s ‘disgusting’ what Russia is doing to Ukraine
02:00 , Jabed AhmedPutin says Russia's hypersonic missile has entered service and will be deployed in Belarus
01:00 , Jabed AhmedPutin says Russia's hypersonic missile has entered service and will be deployed in Belarus
Full report | Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines to ‘region’ over Ukraine war rhetoric from Russia’s Medvedev
Friday 1 August 2025 23:59 , Jabed AhmedTrump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines over Ukraine war rhetoric from Medvedev
Trump says he's 'going to protect our people' in response to Medevev threat
Friday 1 August 2025 23:14 , Jabed AhmedDonald Trump has said he “had to” order two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the "appropriate regions" after "inflammatory" comments from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
Speaking to reporters in the White House on Friday, the US president said: “Well, we had to do that. We just have to be careful. And a threat was made, and we didn't think it was appropriate. So I have to very careful. So I do that on the basis of safety for our people.
“A threat was by a former president of Russia, and we're going to protect our people."
Referring to comments made by Medvedev, Mr Trump added: “He was talking about nuclear. When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. And we're totally prepared."
Ukrainians mourn 31 killed in Russian strike on Kyiv
Friday 1 August 2025 22:59 , Jabed Ahmed- Ukrainian rescuers pulled more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv overnight, pushing the death toll from Russia’s deadliest strike on the capital this year to 31.
- Among the victims were five children, including a two-year-old, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Friday as a 24-hour rescue operation drew to a close.
- Thursday’s multi-wave assault saw Russia launch more than 300 drones and eight missiles, leaving 159 people wounded across Kyiv.
- Footage shared on the presidential website showed Mr Zelensky speaking with residents whose homes were left in ruins. “The state will definitely provide help and support to everyone affected,” he pledged.
- In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, a separate drone attack on Friday injured 10 people, including three children – the youngest just five months old.
- The Sviatoshyn district in western Kyiv suffered the worst destruction, but damage was also reported across at least three other parts of the city.
- In Washington, President Donald Trump denounced Russia’s “disgusting” actions but questioned whether sanctions alone would deter Moscow.
- Mr Trump warned Vladimir Putin to strike a deal by 8 August or face economic pressure, and said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved “to the appropriate regions”.
- “Trump just says, ‘I’m upset with President Putin’s behaviour.’ And what? No results,” said local resident Natalia Matviyenko, 65, sitting near the wreckage.
- The president, who returned to office vowing to end the war quickly, has recently signalled more willingness to arm Ukraine.
Ukraine protects Europe from Kremlin aggression, Russian dissident Yashin says
Friday 1 August 2025 22:19 , Jabed AhmedEurope must start seeing Ukraine as a European country, and the Ukrainian military as a European army, Ilya Yashin, a prominent Russian opposition activist, has said.
"The Ukrainian army is not only protecting Ukraine, it is protecting Europe from Russian aggression," he told hundreds of Russians who now live in Serbia.
Yashin was imprisoned in 2022 for criticising Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was released last year, along with 15 other prisoners in Russian and Belarusian jails.
His speech at a Belgrade concert hall was the first such public appearance of a high-profile Russian dissident in Serbia since 2022.
Between February 2022 and 2024, more than 74,000 Russians registered for temporary residence in Serbia, according to the latest Interior Ministry data, many fleeing conscription or persecution for their opposition to President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian says she does not put faith in Trump's tough rhetoric
Friday 1 August 2025 21:30 , Rebecca WhittakerUkrainian rescuers recovered more than a dozen more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv overnight, bringing the death toll from Russia's worst air strike of the year on Ukraine's capital to 31.
A two-year-old was among the five children found dead after Thursday's sweeping Russian drone and missile attack, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday, announcing the end of a more than 24-hour-long rescue operation.
President Donald Trump sharply criticised Russia's "disgusting" behaviour against Ukraine, while saying he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia. He has given President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Natalia Matviyenko, 65, sitting near the damaged apartment building, said she did not place much faith in Trump's tough rhetoric.
"Trump just says, 'I'm upset with President Putin's behaviour.' And what? No results," she said.
Pictured: Rescuers lay flowers following A missile and drone attack that killed 31 people
Friday 1 August 2025 21:10 , Rebecca WhittakerA missile and drone attack on July 31 killed 31 people and injured 179 in Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelensky has given his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones following the strike.
Reports say residential building hit by Russian drones injuring at least 10 people
Friday 1 August 2025 21:01 , Rebecca WhittakerRussia attacked the northeastern city of Kharkiv with drones, hitting a residential building and injuring at least 10 people, The Kyiv Independent has reported.
The news site reported Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said the victims include a 5-month-old baby and two young children.
It added a Russian Molniya kamikaze drone struck an apartment building and emergency services are at the scene.
Zelensky offered to 'move beyond technical talks' with Russia
Friday 1 August 2025 20:50 , Rebecca WhittakerPresident of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to “move beyond technical talks” with Russia.
“We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks—not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders,” Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X.
It comes after US President Donald Trump said Russia had "10 days from today" to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or be hit, along with its oil buyers, with tariffs.
Moscow, which has set out its own terms for peace in Ukraine, has shown no sign that it will comply with Trump's deadline.
We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks—not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders. pic.twitter.com/bNLW3JGV1z
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 1, 2025
'It's impossible to justify what Russia is doing, ' says Zelensky
Friday 1 August 2025 20:39 , Rebecca WhittakerVolodymyr Zelensky gave his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones following a strike on Kyiv that killed 31 people.
It's impossible to justify what Russia is doing. We will never forgive the killing of our people, these brutal strikes. With yesterday’s strike on Kyiv, Russia killed 31 people. 179 were injured. My sincere condolences to the families, the loved ones, and to all who have lost… pic.twitter.com/3Kgo06T8gl
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 1, 2025
Watch Trump: It’s ‘disgusting’ what Russia is doing to Ukraine
Friday 1 August 2025 20:20 , Rebecca WhittakerZelensky 'welcomed' Donald Trump’s 'new deadline on Russia'
Friday 1 August 2025 20:05 , Rebecca WhittakerSir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky “welcomed” Donald Trump’s “new deadline on Russia to stop their stalling tactics and make meaningful progress on a peace deal” in a call earlier today, Downing Street said.
In a post on X following the talk with Starmer Zelensky said: “We discussed the urgent need to scale up drone production, especially interceptor drones. There is a specific financial need, and we agreed to find a solution.
“We also talked about sanctions. Russia genuinely fears them, no matter how hard it pretends that it couldn’t care less. Sanctions are undoubtedly working – and there will be more. We are working with everyone on coordinated restrictive measures.”
Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved in response to threats from former Russian President
Friday 1 August 2025 19:54 , Rebecca WhittakerDonald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, traded taunts in recent days after Trump on Tuesday said Russia had "10 days from today" to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or be hit, along with its oil buyers, with tariffs.
Moscow, which has set out its own terms for peace in Ukraine, has shown no sign that it will comply with Trump's deadline.
Medvedev on Monday accused Trump of engaging in a "game of ultimatums" and reminded him that Russia possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort after Trump told Medvedev to "watch his words."
'I’m just here to see if I can stop the war', says Trump on Truth Social
Friday 1 August 2025 19:39 , Rebecca WhittakerDonald Trump continues to voice his frustration over the war Russia continues to wage in Ukraine, writing on Truth Social before the submarine announcement he said: “I have just been informed that almost 20,000 Russian soldiers died this month in the ridiculous War with Ukraine. Russia has lost 112,500 soldiers since the beginning of the year.
“That is a lot of unnecessary DEATH! Ukraine, however, has also suffered greatly. They have lost approximately 8,000 soldiers since January 1, 2025, and that number does not include their missing. Ukraine has also lost civilians, but in smaller numbers, as Russian rockets crash into Kyiv, and other Ukrainian locales. This is a War that should have never happened — This is Biden’s War, not “TRUMP’s.” I’m just here to see if I can stop it!”
Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines to ‘region’
Friday 1 August 2025 19:01 , Lucy LeesonPresident Donald Trump on Friday said he was redeploying a pair of American “nuclear submarines” in response to belligerent statements made on X by former Russian president Dimitri Medvedev earlier this week.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he was ordering the American boats to “the appropriate regions” due to what he called “the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia” and noted Medvedev’s status as a deputy chair of the Russian national security council.
Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines over Ukraine war rhetoric from Medvedev
Analyst says fighting likely ongoing in Chasiv Yar
Friday 1 August 2025 18:30 , Alexander ButlerMilitary analyst Emil Kastehelmi, co-founder of the Finland-based Black Bird Group, said it was likely that battles were continuing near Chasiv Yar.
Russia yesterday claimed it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting. Ukraine denied the claims, calling it propaganda.
"The terrain of Chasiv Yar has favoured the defender. Forested areas, waterways, hills and a varied building stock have enabled Ukraine to conduct a defensive operation lasting over a year, in which the Russians have made minimal monthly progress," he told Reuters.
Mr Kastehelmi said it was likely that the town's fall, if confirmed, would create conditions for Russia to advance further in eastern Ukraine, but still only gradually.
"The fall of the city to the enemy is nevertheless a challenging situation for Ukraine, as it will bring the Russians closer to Kostiantynivka, which Russia is now approaching from several directions," he said.
Trump says it is 'disgusting' what Russia doing to Ukraine
Friday 1 August 2025 17:30 , Alexander ButlerUS President Donald Trump has said that Russia’s war in Ukraine is “disgusting”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said he plans to impose sanctions on Moscow if no agreement can be reached to end the conflict.
Mr Trump said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia.
He has given Russian president Vladimir Putin until 8 August to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Putin may be mocking Trump over Ukraine – but the US president won’t do anything about it
Friday 1 August 2025 16:30 , Alexander Butler
Putin may be mocking Trump over Ukraine - but US president won’t do anything about it
Trump’s most trusted advisors? His TV — and sometimes Melania
Friday 1 August 2025 15:30 , Alexander Butler
Trump’s most trusted advisors? His TV — and sometimes Melania
Watch: Injured Ukrainian soldier flees frontline on e-bike delivered by drone
Friday 1 August 2025 14:30 , Alexander ButlerPutin 'hopes peace talks continue' despite waging war
Friday 1 August 2025 13:21 , Alexander ButlerRussian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that he hoped peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would continue and that working groups could discuss potential compromises, but said Moscow's goals remained unchanged.
Speaking one week before the expiry of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Russia to agree a ceasefire in Ukraine or face new sanctions - including on countries that buy its energy exports - Putin gave no hint of any change in Moscow's position.
He said that if anyone was disappointed in the outcome of peace talks to date, that was a consequence of inflated expectations.
Speaking to reporters at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in northern Russia, Putin said talks should be conducted "without cameras and in a calm atmosphere."
He said Russian troops were attacking Ukraine along the entire front line and that the momentum was in their favour, citing the announcement by his Defence Ministry on Thursday that Moscow's forces had captured the Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar after a 16-month battle.
Zelensky's chief of staff says allies 'confirm positive signals' from Washington
Friday 1 August 2025 11:45 , Alexander ButlerUkraine's partners had "confirmed positive signals" about imminent White House pressure on Russia following President Volodymyr Zelensky's conversations with British, French, German and Italian counterparts, a top Ukrainian official said.
"Our partners confirmed positive signals from the White House regarding firm actions against the Russian Federation's particularly on sanctions targeting Russian oil and secondary tariffs following the end of the 10-day deadline set by President Donald Trump," Andriy Yermak wrote on X.
He added that he also discussed preparations for a "historic" bilateral security deal between Kyiv and Washington backed financially by European allies.
Recap: China and Russia to hold joint naval exercise near Japan next month
Friday 1 August 2025 09:00 , Alexander Butler
China and Russia to hold joint naval exercise near Japan next month
Pictured: Destruction after Russian airstrike on block of flats in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine
Friday 1 August 2025 08:30 , Alexander Butler
In pics: Aftermath of Russia's attack on Kyiv
Friday 1 August 2025 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Kyiv death toll rises to 26
Friday 1 August 2025 07:11 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUkrainian authorities have confirmed that at least 26 people, including children, were killed in Russia's drone and missile attack on Kyiv.
Ukraine's interior ministry said the toll was revised after "rescuers retrieved 10 bodies from the rubble of the residential building in Sviatoshynsky district, including the body of a two-year-old child".
Russia launched waves of missiles and drones, targeting more than two dozen locations in Kyiv before dawn on Thursday.
The attack destroyed a building and left 159 people, including 16 children, wounded.
Trump says it is 'disgusting' what Russia doing to Ukraine
Friday 1 August 2025 07:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS President Donald Trump has said that Russia’s war in Ukraine is “disgusting”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said he plans to impose sanctions on Moscow if no agreement can be reached to end the conflict.
Mr Trump said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia.
He has given Russian president Vladimir Putin until 8 August to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Ukraine’s parliament approves law restoring power of anti-graft watchdogs
Friday 1 August 2025 06:49 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUkraine’s parliament has overwhelmingly approved a bill presented by president Volodymyr Zelensky that restores the independence of two of the country’s key anti-corruption watchdogs, reversing his contentious move last week that curbed their power and brought an outcry.
Last week’s measure by Mr Zelensky to place the watchdogs under the oversight of the prosecutor-general prompted rebukes from Ukrainians, the EU and international rights groups. It raised fears that the government could meddle in investigations and potentially shield its supporters from scrutiny.
Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars of vital Western aid in the nearly 3½-year all-out war. It’s also an effort that enjoys broad public support.
Kyiv to observe a day of mourning
Friday 1 August 2025 06:21 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarKyiv authorities have announced a day of mourning to be held today for the 16 people killed in Russia's drone and missile attack.
Russia launched waves of missiles and drones on Kyiv before dawn on Thursday, killing 16 people, including two children, and wounding well over 100 others, officials in the Ukrainian capital said.
"Tomorrow, August 1, has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv. In memory of the victims of the enemy's massive attack on the capital," Kyiv mayor Vitali Klytschko said on Telegram.
"On this day, flags will be flown at half-mast on all municipal buildings in the city. It is also recommended to fly state flags at half-mast on state and privately owned buildings."
Analyst says fighting likely ongoing in Chasiv Yar
Friday 1 August 2025 05:48 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarMilitary analyst Emil Kastehelmi, co-founder of the Finland-based Black Bird Group, said it was likely that battles were continuing near Chasiv Yar.
Russia yesterday claimed it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting. Ukraine denied the claims, calling it propaganda.
"The terrain of Chasiv Yar has favoured the defender. Forested areas, waterways, hills and a varied building stock have enabled Ukraine to conduct a defensive operation lasting over a year, in which the Russians have made minimal monthly progress," he told Reuters.
Mr Kastehelmi said it was likely that the town's fall, if confirmed, would create conditions for Russia to advance further in eastern Ukraine, but still only gradually.
"The fall of the city to the enemy is nevertheless a challenging situation for Ukraine, as it will bring the Russians closer to Kostiantynivka, which Russia is now approaching from several directions," he said.
Trump envoy Witkoff to visit Russia
Friday 1 August 2025 05:38 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump said his special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia after wrapping his Israel visit.
“Yeah, going to Israel and then he’s going to Russia, believe it or not,” Mr Trump told reporters at the White House yesterday.
Mr Trump added that he expected to impose sanctions once a new deadline he set earlier this week expires, but did not foresee that it would alter the Russian leader's behaviour.
“We have about eight days, so yeah, we’re going to put sanctions. I don’t know that sanctions bother him,” he said.
In pics: Aftermath of Russia's drone attack on Kyiv
Friday 1 August 2025 05:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russia launched 300 drones and eight missiles at Ukraine
Friday 1 August 2025 05:12 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussia launched a barrage of more than 300 drones and eight cruise missiles at Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv, the Ukrainian Air Force said.
One of the missiles hit a nine-storey residential building in Kyiv, destroying parts of it. Ukraine's national rescue service said the toll rose to 16 after another body had been retrieved from underneath rubble.
The rescue service said 16 of the injured were children, the largest number of children hurt in a single attack on the city since Russia started its full-scale invasion.
"Today the world has once again seen Russia's response to our desire for peace ... Therefore, peace without strength is impossible," the Ukrainian president said.
Trump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
Friday 1 August 2025 05:04 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDonald Trump issued a stern warning to “failed” former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and urged him to “watch his words” after he ridiculed the U.S. president on social media.
“Russia and the USA do almost no business together,” Trump said in a midnight Truth Social tirade, after attacking India’s close ties with Russia and setting his sights on Medvedev.
“Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory.”
Medvedev, who was handpicked by Vladimir Putin to serve as president in 2008 due to term limits, ridiculed Trump’s recent ultimatum demanding Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
More here.
Trump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
Zelensky reports intense battles near Pokrovsk
Friday 1 August 2025 04:47 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the most intensive battles were still near the city of Pokrovsk, about 60km southwest of Chasiv Yar.
Ukrainian forces, he said, were repelling Russian sabotage and reconnaissance parties. Russia yesterday claimed it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting, opening the way for potential further advances.
The Ukrainian president, however, dismissed the claim as "disinformation".
Zelensky calls on allies to bring regime change in Russia
Friday 1 August 2025 04:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his allies to bring about "regime change" in Russia after Moscow's drone attack on Kyiv killed 16 people, including a six-year-old boy.
At least 150 people sustained injuries after the overnight strikes reduced part of a nine-storey apartment block in Kyiv's western suburbs to rubble.
Speaking via video at a conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cold War-era Helsinki Accords, Zelensky said Russia could be “pushed” to end the war."
But if the world doesn't aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilise neighbouring countries," he said, according to AFP.
Zelensky restores power of anti-graft agencies
Friday 1 August 2025 03:00 , Daniel KeanePresident Volodymyr Zelensky restored the independence of Ukraine's two main anti-corruption agencies on Thursday, moving to defuse a political crisis that has shaken faith in his wartime leadership.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days in a rare show of discontent.
It came after lawmakers led by Zelensky's ruling party rushed through amendments last week defanging the respected agencies.
He signed a new bill on Thursday shortly after lawmakers approved it 331 to 0, saying the legislation "guarantees the absence of any kind of outside influence (or) interference".
"Ukraine is a democracy - there are definitely no doubts," Zelenskiy said on the Telegram messaging app.
Trump 'wants deal to end war by August 8'
Friday 1 August 2025 02:00 , Daniel KeanePresident Donald Trump has made clear that he wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, the United States told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday.
“Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace, senior U.S. diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council.
Trump said on Tuesday that the US would start imposing tariffs and other measures on Russia "10 days from today" if Moscow showed no progress toward ending its war in Ukraine.
Russia hosts Syria's new foreign minister for the first time since fall of Assad
Friday 1 August 2025 01:00 , Daniel KeaneSyria's top diplomat met with Russian officials on Thursday on the first visit to Moscow by a member of the new government in Damascus since former Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in the Kremlin, according to Syrian news agency SANA.
Before the talks with Putin, al-Shibani met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who emphasised that the Russian authorities "sincerely wish that the Syrian people, with whom we have long-standing friendship, overcome all existing challenges and completely normalise the situation."
Assad was an ally of Russia, and Moscow's scorched-earth intervention in support of him a decade ago turned the tide of Syria's civil war and kept Assad in his seat until his swift demise in December.
US Senate committee backs more Ukraine funding
Friday 1 August 2025 00:01 , Daniel KeaneA powerful US Senate committee approved a military spending bill on Thursday that includes about $1 billion to support Ukraine, despite President Donald Trump's administration having asked Congress to eliminate such funding in its budget request.
The Republican-led Senate Appropriations Committee approved $852 billion for the Department of Defence in the fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 2026.
This is $21.7 billion, or 2.6%, more than the Republican president requested earlier this year.
The committee voted 26-3 to send the spending measure for a vote in the full Senate, with strong support from both Democrats and Trump's fellow Republicans.
US senators propose £40 billion military aid package
Thursday 31 July 2025 23:00 , Daniel KeaneA pair of bipartisan US senators on Thursday introduced a bill that would provide £40 billion ($54.6bn) in military aid to Ukraine over the next two years.
The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, faces a stiff struggle to become law but follows threats by President Donald Trump to increase military aid to Kyiv if Moscow does not take steps to end the war.
Congress last passed a major aid package for Ukraine - £46 billion ($61bn) - in April 2024, when Democrat Joe Biden was still president and his fellow Democrats had a slim majority in the Senate.
Trump says it is 'disgusting' what Russia doing to Ukraine
Thursday 31 July 2025 22:09 , Daniel KeanePresident Donald Trump has said that Russia’s war in Ukraine is “disgusting”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said he plans to impose sanctions on Moscow if no agreement can be reached to end the conflict.
Trump said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia.
He has given Russian President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Putin ally tells Lindsey Graham to ‘Work on America’ in response to peace talk demands
Thursday 31 July 2025 22:00 , Bryony Gooch.jpg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
In pictures: Russia releases handout to claim its takeover of Chasiv Yar in east Ukraine
Thursday 31 July 2025 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
Trump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
Thursday 31 July 2025 20:00 , Bryony GoochTrump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
Watch: Multiple blasts hit Kyiv as Russia launches overnight drone strike
Thursday 31 July 2025 19:00 , Bryony GoochZelensky says he had good first call with Polish President-elect Nawrocki
Thursday 31 July 2025 18:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday he had a good first call with the Polish president-elect, Karol Nawrocki, who is due to assume his role next week.
"We trust that Poland will continue to be our reliable partner and ally," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, emphasising the importance of continued military, political and humanitarian support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.
In pictures: Kyiv recovers after Russian bombardment
Thursday 31 July 2025 17:00 , Bryony Gooch
Ukraine moves to restore power of anti-graft agencies
Thursday 31 July 2025 16:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian lawmakers have approved a bill restoring the independence of the country's two main anti-corruption agencies.
It’s a move to defuse a political crisis that has shaken faith in President Volodymyr Zelensky's wartime leadership.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days in a rare show of discontent after lawmakers led by Zelensky's ruling party rushed through amendments last week defanging the respected agencies.
Zelensky reversed course after the outcry and under pressure from top European officials, who warned that Ukraine was jeopardising its bid for EU membership by curbing the powers of its anti-graft authorities.
Lawmakers voted 331 to 0 in favour of the new Zelensky-submitted bill, which reverses measures that had given his hand-picked general prosecutor the power to transfer cases away from the agencies and reassign prosecutors.
Critics alleged the step had been designed to protect his political allies from prosecution.
Russia claims it shot down 32 Ukrainian drones overnight
Thursday 31 July 2025 15:00 , Bryony GoochRussia's Ministry of Defence said it had shot down 32 Ukrainian drones overnight.
A drone attack sparked a blaze at an industrial site in Russia's Penza region, local governor Oleg Melnichenko said, adding that there were no casualties.
In the Volgograd region, some trains were halted after drone wreckage fell on railway infrastructure, state operator Russian Railways said.
Russia's Defence Ministry also said that its forces had taken full control of the strategically important city of Chasiv Yar in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.
Russian and Ukrainian troops have battled for control of Chasiv Yar for nearly 18 months. It includes a hilltop from which troops can attack other key points in the region that form the backbone of Ukraine's eastern defences.
Victor Trehubov, a Ukrainian military spokesperson, has said that Russia's claim was untrue.
Zelensky: 'Putin believes Russia has no real borders'
Thursday 31 July 2025 14:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia only wants its borders wherever it wants them to be.
He addressed the Finnish Helsinki+50 conference marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Helsinki accords.
“One of Putin’s key ideas is that Russia has no real borders, only where it wants them to be. This is a total rejection of the post-WW2 world, and this is the foundation of the current regime in Russia.”
I addressed the Conference marking 50 years since the Helsinki Final Act. One of Putin’s key ideas is that Russia has no real borders, only where it wants them to be. This is a total rejection of the post-WW2 world, and this is the foundation of the current regime in Russia. pic.twitter.com/2jHyuvHa3s
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 31, 2025
Zelensky signs anti-corruption law
Thursday 31 July 2025 13:49 , Sam RkainaUkraine’s president Zelensky has signed his country’s anti-corruption reforms into law.
“This guarantees the normal, independent work of anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies in our country,” he said. “It is the right decision.”
“It is very important that the state listens to public opinion.
“Ukraine is a democracy – there is no doubt about that.”
Watch: Multiple blasts hit Kyiv as Russia launches overnight drone strike
Thursday 31 July 2025 13:00 , Bryony GoochPeople trapped under the rubble in Kyiv
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:45 , Bryony GoochEmergency services are searching for people trapped under rubble after a Russian strike on Kyiv.
Some have been rescued,” said Volodymyr Zelensky, who received a report from the minister of internal affairs. “Information on each name is being verified. As of now, 7 people are confirmed dead, including, tragically, a child. Dozens have been injured across different districts of the city.
“So far, 80 people have received necessary assistance; 64 have been wounded in the attack, and 50 are currently hospitalised. Among the injured are 9 children.
“Many buildings in the city have been damaged — these are ordinary residential buildings, and other facilities — all civilian.
“Among the damaged sites is one of Kyiv’s mosques. The attack was extremely insidious and deliberately calculated to overload the air defense system.
“Kyiv was the main target for ‘shaheds,’ other drones, and missiles, though there is damage in other regions as well. Rescue operations will continue as long as necessary — until the fate of every person is clarified. There are sufficient forces and resources.”
Ukraine arrests air force officer for spying on Western-supplied fighter jets
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:30 , Arpan RaiUkraine's domestic security agency has detained an air force officer on charges of having spied for Russia by leaking the location of prized F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, officials said yesterday.
The unidentified officer, a flight instructor holding the rank of major, stands accused of helping Russia carry out air strikes by providing coordinates and suggesting strike tactics, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said in a statement.
"In particular, the enemy's priority targets were airfields where F-16s, Mirage 2000s and Su-24s were based," it said. F-16s are U.S.-made and Mirages are French while the Su-24 is an older, Soviet-manufactured jet bomber.
"The agent collected the coordinates of the location of these aircraft, schedules and... the order of their departure."
The SBU said the suspect had also passed data on Ukrainian air force personnel and combat tactics to Russian military intelligence.
Ukrainian parliament approves restoring independence of anti-corruption agencies
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:25 , Bryony GoochUkraine's parliament voted on Thursday to restore the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies, moving to defuse the country's biggest political crisis since Russia's invasion.
Lawmakers voted 331 to 0 in favor of the bill, which President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted last week following pressure from thousands of protesters and top European officials.
The measure now goes to Zelensky for a signature.
Trump threatens Putin's aide Medvedev to 'watch his words'
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:20 , Arpan RaiUS president Donald Trump has threatened to keep trade with Russia to a minimum amid an escalating war of words with the Kremlin over ceasefire ultimatum.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Mr Trump said on his Truth Social account this morning.
His remarks come hours after the US said it will impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from India starting on Friday. Mr Trump has slammed India’s trade with Russia despite the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The White House had previously warned India about its high average applied tariffs. "While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high," Trump wrote in the Truth Social post.
"They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!,” Mr Trump said yesterday.
Zelensky: 'We need to block Russia's war machine'
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:10 , Bryony GoochPresident Zelensky alleged that Russia completely rejected the post-second wold war world, but insisted Moscow can be pushed to stop the war.
The Ukrainian leader addressed the Finnish Helsinki+50 conference marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Helsinki accords.
He said that “a total rejection of the post-second world war world … is the foundation of the current regime in Russia,” but that Moscow “can be pushed to stop this war.”
“We need to fully block Russia’s war machine, cut off its arms industry, limit its energy profits, and finally, put every frozen Russian asset including stolen wealth … to work, defending against the Russian aggression.
“It’s time to confiscate the Russian assets, not just freeze them … to use them to serve peace, not war.”
But he warned: “But if the world doesn’t aim to change the regime in Russia, that means, even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilise neighbouring countries.”
Zelenskyy also spoke of President Trump’s interest in ending the war.
“Trump is truly interested in ending the war and we have to do everything we can to make sure the US and Europe act together for security.”
Zelensky: Russian leadership 'stuck in another century'
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:54 , Bryony GoochPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested Russia needs to “change regime”.
The Ukrainian leader addressed the Finnish Helsinki+50 conference marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Helsinki accords.
He said: “Russia keeps launching such attacks, even when the whole world is calling on it to stop the war, a war that Russia started, a war that Russia keeps dragging on, a war that only the Russian leadership wants.”
He added that he thought Russia’s leadership was “mentally stuck in another century, a time of brutal violence … [and] total disregard for human rights and equality.
“We know that such ideas and such times must never return to Europe,” he said.
Kremlin says Russia has developed immunity to sanctions
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:30 , Arpan RaiRussia has now acquired immunity to sanctions from the West thanks to long experience, the Kremlin said yesterday, adding that it continues to monitor statements by US president Donald Trump regarding sanctions against Moscow.
"We have been living under a huge number of sanctions for quite a long time, our economy operates under a huge number of restrictions," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Therefore, of course, we have already developed a certain immunity in this regard, and we continue to note all statements that come from president Trump, from other international representatives on this matter," the aide to Russian president Vladimir Putin said.
Mr Trump on Tuesday said that the United States would start imposing tariffs and other measures on Russia in 10 days if Moscow showed no progress towards ending its more than three-year-long war in Ukraine.Russia doubled down on its defensive stance against the upcoming sanctions and said that the West seems to be stuck in a pattern.
"We see that the West simply cannot let go of the issue of sanctions. It seems as if they are constantly stuck in a rut," Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a news briefing in Moscow yesterday.
"Apparently, there are no other options left - they have been exhausted. We are responding and taking measures to counteract all of this or even turn it to our own advantage,” she said.
Ukrainian drones hit electronics plant in Russia's Penza
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:15 , Arpan RaiUkrainian drones, operated by the state security agency SBU, struck an electronics plant in the western Russian city of Penza, an agency official who asked not to be named told Reuters this morning.
Following the drone attack, the plant, which produces combat control systems for the Russian military, caught fire, the source said.
Child among six killed in Russian attack on Kyiv overnight
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:00 , Arpan RaiRussia unleashed a combined missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least six people, including a child, and wounding dozens more, local officials said this morning.
A six-year-old boy was among those killed, said city military administrator Tymur Tkachenko, who said the overnight attack had caused damage in 27 locations across four districts of the Ukrainian capital.
President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video of burning ruins, saying people were still trapped under the rubble of one residential building. "It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals," he said on Telegram.
Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has in recent months stepped up air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far from the front line of its invasion, now in its fourth year.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian factory in one region and halt trains in another
Thursday 31 July 2025 09:35 , Arpan RaiThe governor of Russia's Penza region said that Ukrainian drones had struck a local industrial facility this morning.
Separately, Russia's state railway company said that drone debris had hit railway infrastructure and temporarily halted trains in the southern Volgograd region.
Russia's defence ministry said that it had downed 32 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions.
Russian industrial facilities have come under regular drone attack in the course of the war.
Putin attacking Ukraine 'on purpose' while Trump has been 'patient' with him, says Ukrainian minister
Thursday 31 July 2025 09:20 , Arpan RaiUkrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of attacking Ukraine on purpose after an overnight attack killed six people, including a child.
“It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals. Civilians are injured and killed. There are still people under the rubble,” Mr Sybiha said, sharing a photo of the devastation from the attack.
He added: “It is probably time to reduce to zero all of the timeframes that had been given to Putin to demonstrate a constructive approach. President Trump has been very generous and very patient with Putin, trying to find a solution.”
“Putin does it on purpose. He does not care about any attempts to put an end to the killing. He only seeks to destroy and kill. Because the entire existence of this war criminal is based on this senseless war, which he cannot win but refuses to end. He must face justice,” the Ukrainian minister said.
It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals. Civilians are injured and killed. There are still people under the rubble.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) July 31, 2025
It is probably time to reduce to zero all of the timeframes that had… pic.twitter.com/BDC8384ygV
