Morning Update: Kyiv Death Toll Rises to 26 as Ukraine Requests UN Security Council Meeting
The toll from Thursday’s Russian assault on Kyiv has climbed to 26, with more than 150 injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks on the city since the full-scale conflict began in 2022.
In response, Ukraine has called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council this afternoon to rally international support and increase pressure on Russia to halt the war.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the session, set for midday European time, will provide nations an opportunity to declare their positions clearly.
“Putin dismisses peace efforts and seeks to extend this war. The world has the means to stop him—through collective pressure and a firm stance demanding a complete, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire,” he said.
Andriy Yermak, a top advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemned the attack, labeling those responsible as “Russian murderers.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently set a new deadline of 8 August for Russia to withdraw, called the attack “horrific.”
“We will impose sanctions. I’m not sure sanctions will deter him,” Trump said, referring to Putin.
He added that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, currently in Israel, would be instructed to travel to Russia next.
Meanwhile, developments in EU-U.S. trade relations continue to unfold after Trump signed an executive order but postponed sanctions for one week, until 7 August.
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