Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, July 31st, called for “regime change” in Russia, following a devastating overnight drone and missile attack on Kyiv that killed 11 people. The strikes, which damaged a nine-storey apartment block in the capital’s western suburbs, also left over 100 people wounded.
According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched over 300 drones and eight cruise missiles between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, with Kyiv as the main target.
Speaking via video to a conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cold War-era Helsinki Accords, Zelensky stated his belief that Russia could be “pushed” to end the war. But he warned: “If the world doesn’t aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilise neighbouring countries.”
Russian authorities said Thursday’s strikes targeted military infrastructure, including “Ukraine’s military airfield, ammunition warehouse and drone production facilities,” using high-precision weapons and drones. However, civilian casualties and widespread damage suggest broader impact. Russia has not yet responded to Zelensky’s statements or confirmed details of the attack.