KYIV, UKRAINE (AUGUST 29, 2025) (USERS MUST CREDIT “UKRAINIAN PRESIDENCY” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY)

COMPLETE SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW KYIV, UKRAINE (AUGUST 29, 2025) (USERS MUST CREDIT “UKRAINIAN PRESIDENCY” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday visited the site of a major Russian missile strike in the capital Kyiv, honoring the victims and vowing a strengthened military response with continued international support.

The president paid his respects at the location where a residential building was hit by a ballistic missile, an attack that caused significant casualties.

"I paid tribute to the memory of those killed at the site where a Russian ballistic missile struck a residential building. This horrific strike claimed the lives of 22 people, including 4 children, the youngest of whom was not even three years old. My condolences to all their families and loved ones," Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook.

According to updated official figures, the death toll from the overnight attack on August 28 has risen to 25, with four children among the victims. Dozens more were injured in the strike.

The attack, which involved a combined missile strike, caused extensive damage across several central districts of the capital, including Shevchenkivskyi, Holosiivskyi, Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, and Desnianskyi.

Zelensky assured that all those affected, including the families of the deceased, will receive housing assistance through existing government programs.

In his statement, the president framed the assault as a deliberate act of escalation by Moscow, calling for a global reaction.

"This attack is a demonstrative Russian response to the world’s efforts to end this war. Killing children and causing destruction instead of pursuing diplomacy and peace," he stated.

"And such a response demands a reaction from the world: even more sanctions, even more opportunities for Ukraine to speak the language of strength – the only language Russia understands. I thank all the partners who are helping us with this," Zelensky emphasized.

In response to the tragedy, authorities in Kyiv declared August 29 a day of mourning.