EA on India’s NDTV: Putin’s Next Gamble in Ukraine

Friday’s Coverage: Russia Murders 31, Including 5 Children, in Kyiv as Zelensky Calls for “Regime Change”

Map: Institute for the Study of War

At least 11 civilians were injured by Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv city in northeast Ukraine on Friday night.

The victims include a 5-month-old baby and a 9-year-old and 10-year-old boys. Five of the wounded have been hospitalized.

Frustrated with Vladimir Putin’s refusal of a ceasefire and Russia’s mass killing of Ukrainian civilians, Donald Trump proposed the arrangement last month.

“Several sources familiar with the matter” said arms will be delivered in tranches of around $500 million. Members will negotiate among themselves over payment for the weapons.

A European official told said the aim is to provide $10 billion in support for Ukraine. Kyiv will prioritize needs under its Priority Ukraine Requirements List.

“That is the starting point, and it’s an ambitious target that we’re working towards. We’re currently on that trajectory. We support the ambition. We need that sort of volume,” the European official said.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on Friday that two US-made Patriot air defense systems are being transferred to Ukraine. Launchers will arrive “in the coming days”, with other components delivered “within the next two to three months”.

Zelensky Call for Meeting with Putin

In his nightly video address to the nation, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky summarized the toll from Russia’s missile and drone strikes early Thursday on Kyiv.

Rescue and recovery efforts finally ended on Friday afternoon after the confirmation that 31 civilians, including five children, were murdered. The attack was the deadliest on the capital since December 2023.

Zelensky pressed Putin to meet face-to-face to discuss an end to Russia’s invasion and mass killing.

We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks—not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders.

We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks—not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders. pic.twitter.com/bNLW3JGV1z

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 1, 2025