Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least 21 people. President Donald Trump, speaking through his press secretary Karoline Leavitt, expressed no surprise at the assault but reiterated his push for peace talks. This article explores the attack, global reactions, and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Russia’s assault, the second-largest since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeted Kyiv with 598 drones and 31 missiles. Ukrainian defences downed 563 drones and 26 missiles, per military reports. However, the attack damaged civilian areas, including Residential buildings, A shopping mall, EU and British Council offices, A Turkish enterprise, and Azerbaijan’s embassy
Mayor Vitali Klitschko called it one of Kyiv’s worst attacks recently, with 63 people wounded. Explosions and drone activity disrupted the city for hours, resulting in widespread power outages, according to Ukrenergo.
At least 21 people, including four children, were killed and dozens more wounded after Russia struck Kyiv on Thursday, hitting the EU delegation building and other sites in one of the heaviest attacks on Ukraine in months. pic.twitter.com/zOGRbpXW5k
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 29, 2025White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump was not happy but not surprised.” She noted the long-standing conflict and added, “Both sides may not be ready to end this war.” Trump, who hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, plans to address the issue further, per Leavitt.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the strikes a rejection of diplomacy by Moscow, urging new sanctions. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack, noting two missiles hit near the EU office. She announced plans for a 19th sanctions package and the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
I usually sit here and wait until the court frees up. Two powerful strikes hit residential buildings less than 40 seconds apart.
Many streets were blocked off. The blast wave was extremely strong. Everything was covered in shattered glass.
All of it just to kill civilians.… pic.twitter.com/AN0m8TW1uK
— Victoria (@victoriaslog) August 28, 2025British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the attack, which damaged the British Council building, stating, “Putin is killing civilians and sabotaging peace.” Turkey and Azerbaijan also reported damage to their facilities.
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Despite Trump’s peace push, including talks with Putin and Zelensky, progress remains limited. Zelensky, after discussions with von der Leyen and Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan, emphasised security guarantees for Ukraine. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military facilities, denying civilian attacks, though Ukrainian officials report thousands of civilian deaths since 2022.
