The President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, made a strong statement regarding yet another large-scale attack by Russia on Kyiv that occurred on the night of July 31. According to the Czech leader, the nighttime missile strike on the Ukrainian capital once again proved that the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, seeks not peace but the subjugation of Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Scale of the Attack and Its Consequences for Kyiv
On the night of July 31, Russian forces launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine, using 317 assets: 309 drones and eight cruise missiles. The main strike was directed at Kyiv. According to military reports, five direct missile hits were recorded, including one that struck a residential building in the Svyatoshyn district, completely destroying the entrance. As a result of the attack, 31 people were killed, including five children. Strikes from combat drones were recorded in 12 locations across the city, while debris from downed targets fell in 19 other places.
“Strikes on residential buildings, schools, and hospitals are a deliberate war crime. The only way forward is strong international pressure on Russia and effective support for Ukraine,” stated Petr Pavel.
International Reaction and Political Context
A Day of Mourning has been declared in Kyiv in connection with the tragedy, and Ukraine has initiated a call for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. This attack occurred against the backdrop of a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed disappointment with Vladimir Putin’s actions and noted that he is shortening the previously set 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to peace negotiations. The new deadline is now 10 days, starting from July 29. On July 31, Trump characterized Russia’s actions as “disgusting” and promised to impose new sanctions against Moscow.
Emergency rescue operations continue in the Svyatoshyn district of Kyiv, while residents of the city are bringing flowers to the site of the tragedy to honor the memory of the victims.