Ukraine Under Siege: A Night of Russian Missile and Drone Attacks
A series of devastating missile and drone attacks from Russia on July 31 has left Ukraine's capital, Kiev, in a state of tragedy. The combined assault has reportedly resulted in at least 16 deaths, including a baby, and injured over 150 people, according to Le Monde and ANSA. An air alert has been issued, and residents have been advised to seek shelter. Amidst the chaos, U.S. President Donald Trump has given Russia a new deadline to end the war, shortening the previously set 50-day timeframe to 10 or 12 days.
The Night of Attacks
According to Corriere della Sera, the attacks occurred overnight on July 31, targeting Ukraine's military training center and residential areas with missiles and an unprecedented 78 drones. ANSA reports that the assault on the military training center alone resulted in around 200 soldiers being killed or injured.
International Response and Pressure
The international community has reacted strongly to the attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump described them as disgusting
and disheartening
, as reported by ANSA and Le Monde. In response to the escalation, Trump has threatened to impose sanctions on Moscow, admitting, however, that he was unsure if this would 'have an impact'.
In a meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, reported by The Guardian and BBC News, Trump pushed forward a peace deal deadline between Ukraine and Russia to 10 or 12 days, voicing his disappointment in Russia's Putin. There’s no reason in waiting. There’s no reason in waiting. It’s 50 days. I want to be generous, but we just don’t see any progress being made,
Trump said.
Urgency for Resolution
Al Jazeera English and Japan Times also report on Trump's new deadline, emphasizing the urgency in his tone. This new deadline is seen as a significant shift from the original 50-day period set earlier this month. Trump has also threatened sanctions on both Russia and buyers of its exports unless meaningful progress towards peace is made.
Current Situation
While the situation remains volatile in Ukraine, the international pressure on Russia to halt its military action intensifies. The shortened deadline indicates a growing impatience among international leaders for a resolution to the conflict. As the world watches, the next 10 or 12 days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this conflict and the fate of Ukraine.