The death toll from Thursday's Russian missile and drone attacks on Kiev has risen to 31 dead, including three children, as reported by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry on Friday.
"Rescue teams have retrieved (additional) 10 bodies from the rubble of the residential building in the Sviatochinski district, including that of a two-year-old child," the ministry stated on the Telegram social network, specifying that the bombings have now left 159 injured, including 16 minors. The previous toll was 16 fatalities.
Additionally, Trump described the new Russian attacks on Ukraine as "repugnant." "What Russia is doing is very sad, many Russians are dying," he stated.
The president emphasized that the United States is not involved in the war and mentioned reaching an agreement for NATO to pay for the American ammunition and missiles being supplied to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, calls for increased pressure for a "regime change" in Russia following the massacre in Kiev.
Zelensky's Chief of Staff Affirms Allies Confirming "Positive Signals" from Washington
Ukraine's partners have "confirmed positive signals" regarding imminent White House pressure against Russia, following President Volodymyr Zelensky's discussions with his British, French, German, and Italian counterparts, stated a senior Ukrainian official.
"Our partners confirmed positive signals from the White House regarding strong actions against the Russian Federation, particularly on sanctions against Russian oil and secondary tariffs after the 10-day deadline set by President Donald Trump," wrote Andriy Yermak in X.
He also discussed preparations for a "historic" bilateral security agreement between Kiev and Washington, financially supported by European allies.
Germany Announces Delivery of Two Patriot Systems to Kiev in the Coming Days
The German Ministry of Defense announced on Friday the delivery of two of its Patriot systems, of American manufacture, to Ukraine in the coming days to strengthen Kiev's anti-aircraft capabilities, in a military aid operation coordinated with the United States and NATO.
"In the coming days, the Federal Army will deliver additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine as a first step," stated the German Ministry of Defense in a press release, noting that in a second phase, "other system components" will be handed over to Kiev "in two or three months." German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, specified that the delivery occurred after obtaining approval from the American manufacturers of the system.
"The prerequisite was for the American manufacturer to deliver new Patriot systems as soon as possible so that we could continue to fulfill our obligations to NATO. This commitment from the United States has already been met," Pistorius stated in the release.
Death Toll in Kiev Rises to 31 from Thursday's Russian Drone and Missile Attack
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced on Friday that 31 people died in the combined Russian drone and missile attack on Kiev from Wednesday night to Thursday, which also resulted in 159 injuries.
"So far, the death of 31 people has been confirmed, including five children. The youngest was only two years old. My condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased," Zelensky stated on his X social media account, where he mentioned receiving a report from his Interior Minister, Igor Klimenko.
Russia Used Around 3,800 Drones and 260 Missiles in July Attacks
Russia employed over 3,800 drones and nearly 260 missiles in its attacks on Ukraine during the month of July, declared Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, on Friday.
"We appreciate that President Trump, European leaders, and other partners clearly see what is happening and condemn Russia," wrote Zelensky on X, adding that Russian attacks can only be stopped through joint efforts of the United States, Europe, and other international actors.
Ukraine Shoots Down 44 Drones in Russian Attack Early This Morning
The Ukrainian Air Force reported today the downing of 44 drones launched by Russia against Ukraine in an attack from Thursday night to Friday morning.
"The Russians attacked Ukraine with 72 Shahed attack drones and various decoy drones," stated the Ukrainian Air Force report, noting that "the aerial attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups."
In this Russian attack, 28 drone impacts were recorded in nine points along the frontlines, in the territories of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and the Kiev region.
Zelensky Labels Reports of Russian Capture of Chasiv Yar as "Disinformation"
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, referred to the Russian claim that Moscow's troops control the city of Chasiv Yar in the eastern Donetsk region as "disinformation" in his message to the population from Thursday to Friday.
"Today, there were false Russian reports about Chasiv Yar. It is Russian disinformation. Ukrainian units are holding their positions, and any Russian attempt to advance in the regions of Donetsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv is being repelled," stated Zelensky.
"It is not easy, but this is the defense of the right to life of Ukrainians," added the Ukrainian head of state regarding the Russian advance in Donetsk.
Russia Downs 60 Ukrainian Fixed-Wing Drones over Six Regions and Black and Azov Seas
Russian anti-aircraft defenses shot down 60 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over six regions of the country and the waters of the Black and Azov Seas last night, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense on their Telegram channel on Friday.
"During the past night, from 23:30 on July 31 until 04:10 on August 1, Moscow time, the anti-aircraft defenses intercepted and destroyed 60 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones," stated the military report.
According to the Russian military, 31 drones were shot down over the territory of the Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine.
The remaining drones were destroyed over the regions of Rostov (5), Voronezh (3), Lipetsk (2), and Tula (2), and the waters of the Black Sea (4) and the Sea of Azov (1).
It was an exchange for the history books: the most complex, with a handful of countries offering in some cases Russians in their custody in exchange for the freedom of foreigners. The largest exchange, involving 26 prisoners. And the most agonizing negotiation: so much so that one of its participants did not make it alive to the end. A year ago, cameras followed the figures descending from a gleaming plane in the darkness of Moscow night, with a red carpet for spies, hitmen, and criminals.
Another plane left Russian airspace: inside, Westerners hunted by Vladimir Putin's regime. Seven of the 16 prisoners released from Moscow were Russian activists without a second nationality: there were no precedents for that. It was a bittersweet moment for some of those involved: Ilya Yashin, a prominent dissident, told his captors that he did not want freedom if it meant exile.