Russia Kills 27 Civilians in New Ukrainian Attacks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russian glide bombs and missiles killed at least 27 civilians across Ukraine, including 16 inmates at a southeast prison, after President Trump warned he would impose sanctions unless Russia halted its bombardment. Ukrainian officials called the strikes deliberate, targeting prisons, hospitals and towns nationwide. The Kremlin rejected ultimatums and signaled further defiance.
Russia Attacks Ukraine | Quick Looks
- At least 27 civilians killed in widespread Russian strikes across Ukraine.
- Glide bombs struck a prison in Zaporizhzhia region, killing 16 inmates and wounding over 90.
- A pregnant woman and two others died in missile strikes near Dnipro city.
- Ukraine reported bombardment in 73 locations, calling it systemic targeting of civilians.
- President Zelenskyy appealed for global leadership to pressure for peace.
- Trump set a new 10–12 day deadline, shortening his earlier ultimatum to Putin.
- Kremlin officials dismissed Trump’s ultimatum as inflammatory and destabilizing.
- Russia launched ballistic missiles and 37 drones, many intercepted by Ukraine.
- The prison strike destroyed key infrastructure but prevented escapes.
- Ukraine launched long-range drones targeting Russian logistics and infrastructure.
Deep Look: Russia Kills 27 Civilians in Coordinated Strikes, Ignoring Trump’s Peace Deadline
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In defiance of newly announced U.S. pressure, Russian forces launched a widespread overnight assault across Ukraine, killing at least 27 civilians, including 16 prisoners in a devastating attack on a southeastern prison. The assaults come just days after President Donald Trump imposed a new 10–12 day ultimatum, threatening sanctions unless Putin halted the offensive.
“These were conscious, deliberate strikes—not accidental,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, citing damage across 73 cities, towns, and villages.
Prison Strike and Civilian Casualties
In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian glide bombs struck the Bilenke prison, killing at least 16 inmates and injuring more than 90, according to Ukraine’s Justice Ministry. The bombs destroyed the dining hall and administrative blocks. Despite the damage, no prisoners escaped.
Meanwhile in the Dnipro region, missiles damaged medical facilities—including a maternity ward—killing at least three people, one of them a 23-year-old pregnant woman.
Further strikes killed civilians in Kharkiv, Kherson, and other regions, bringing the confirmed toll to at least 27 deaths.
Weaponry and Tactics
Russia deployed Iskander-M ballistic missiles and Shahed-type attack drones. Of 37 drones launched, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted or neutralized 32. Glide bombs, retrofitted from Soviet-era ordnance, carry up to 3,000 kg of explosives, and are known for their destructive power.
Trump’s Shortened Ultimatum
Just days after issuing a 50-day timeline, Trump shortened his deadline to Putin to just 10–12 days, now expecting progress by August 7–9. “I’m disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said during talks in Scotland.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed the pressure, asserting, “Everyone needs peace—Ukraine, Europe, the United States and responsible leaders across the globe. Everyone except Russia.”
Russia Rejects Ultimatums
The Kremlin responded defiantly. Former President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, warned that ultimatums escalate conflict rather than resolve it: “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed recent territorial gains, announcing advances in Donetsk’s Novoukrainka and Zaporizhzhia’s Temyrivka.
Ukraine Retaliates and Builds Resistance
Despite the strikes, Ukrainian forces pressed on with long-range drone attacks, hitting Russian oil depots, weapons facilities, and disrupting commercial flight routes. Russia claimed to have shot down 74 Ukrainian drones, including 43 over the Bryansk region.
In one drone strike in Russia’s Rostov region, a fire destroyed a cargo train at Salsk station, killing one person and damaging railway infrastructure.
International Reaction and Summary
The international community watched with concern as Ukraine accused Russia of violating international humanitarian law by targeting civilian infrastructure—from prisons to hospitals. The Institute for the Study of War described Russia’s actions as part of a broader geopolitical show of strength against Western influence.
With Trump’s ultimatum now under challenge and civilian casualties mounting, Ukraine’s calls for Western support and accountability grow more urgent.
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