Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his allies to bring about "regime change" in Russia after Moscow's drone attack on Kyiv killed 16 people, including a six-year-old boy.
At least 150 people sustained injuries after the overnight strikes reduced part of a nine-storey apartment block in Kyiv's western suburbs to rubble.
“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," he said at a conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cold War-era Helsinki Accords.
This statement comes as US president Donald Trump, in his latest attack on Vladimir Putin, said that Russia’s war in Ukraine was“disgusting”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said he plans to impose sanctions on Moscow if no agreement can be reached to end the conflict.
Mr Trump said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia. Earlier this week, the president announced that Moscow had until August 8 to make a deal or face sanctions. US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Russia after his current trip to Israel, the president said.
Ukraine-Russia latest: Key Points
- Child among six killed in Russian attack on Kyiv overnight
- Ukrainian drones hit electronics plant in Russia's Penza
- Russia has developed immunity to US sanctions, Kremlin says, despite Trump deadline
- Zelensky: Russian leadership 'stuck in another century'
- Trump threatens Putin's aide Medvedev to 'watch his words'
Zelensky calls on allies to bring regime change in Russia
04:14
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his allies to bring about "regime change" in Russia after Moscow's drone attack on Kyiv killed 16 people, including a six-year-old boy.
At least 150 people sustained injuries after the overnight strikes reduced part of a nine-storey apartment block in Kyiv's western suburbs to rubble.
Speaking via video at a conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cold War-era Helsinki Accords, Zelensky said Russia could be “pushed” to end the war."
But 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," he said, according to AFP.
Zelensky restores power of anti-graft agencies
03:00
,
Daniel Keane
President Volodymyr Zelensky restored the independence of Ukraine's two main anti-corruption agencies on Thursday, moving to defuse a political crisis that has shaken faith in his wartime leadership.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days in a rare show of discontent.
It came after lawmakers led by Zelensky's ruling party rushed through amendments last week defanging the respected agencies.
He signed a new bill on Thursday shortly after lawmakers approved it 331 to 0, saying the legislation "guarantees the absence of any kind of outside influence (or) interference".
"Ukraine is a democracy - there are definitely no doubts," Zelenskiy said on the Telegram messaging app.
Trump 'wants deal to end war by August 8'
02:00
,
Daniel Keane
President Donald Trump has made clear that he wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, the United States told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday.
“Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace, senior U.S. diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council.
Trump said on Tuesday that the US would start imposing tariffs and other measures on Russia "10 days from today" if Moscow showed no progress toward ending its war in Ukraine.
Russia hosts Syria's new foreign minister for the first time since fall of Assad
01:00
,
Daniel Keane
Syria's top diplomat met with Russian officials on Thursday on the first visit to Moscow by a member of the new government in Damascus since former Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in the Kremlin, according to Syrian news agency SANA.
Before the talks with Putin, al-Shibani met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who emphasised that the Russian authorities "sincerely wish that the Syrian people, with whom we have long-standing friendship, overcome all existing challenges and completely normalise the situation."
Assad was an ally of Russia, and Moscow's scorched-earth intervention in support of him a decade ago turned the tide of Syria's civil war and kept Assad in his seat until his swift demise in December.
US Senate committee backs more Ukraine funding
Friday 1 August 2025 00:01
,
Daniel Keane
A powerful US Senate committee approved a military spending bill on Thursday that includes about $1 billion to support Ukraine, despite President Donald Trump's administration having asked Congress to eliminate such funding in its budget request.
The Republican-led Senate Appropriations Committee approved $852 billion for the Department of Defence in the fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 2026.
This is $21.7 billion, or 2.6%, more than the Republican president requested earlier this year.
The committee voted 26-3 to send the spending measure for a vote in the full Senate, with strong support from both Democrats and Trump's fellow Republicans.
US senators propose £40 billion military aid package
Thursday 31 July 2025 23:00
,
Daniel Keane
A pair of bipartisan US senators on Thursday introduced a bill that would provide £40 billion ($54.6bn) in military aid to Ukraine over the next two years.
The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, faces a stiff struggle to become law but follows threats by President Donald Trump to increase military aid to Kyiv if Moscow does not take steps to end the war.
Congress last passed a major aid package for Ukraine - £46 billion ($61bn) - in April 2024, when Democrat Joe Biden was still president and his fellow Democrats had a slim majority in the Senate.
Trump says it is 'disgusting' what Russia doing to Ukraine
Thursday 31 July 2025 22:09
,
Daniel Keane
President Donald Trump has said that Russia’s war in Ukraine is “disgusting”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said he plans to impose sanctions on Moscow if no agreement can be reached to end the conflict.
Trump said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia.
He has given Russian President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Putin ally tells Lindsey Graham to ‘Work on America’ in response to peace talk demands
Thursday 31 July 2025 22:00
,
Bryony Gooch
In pictures: Russia releases handout to claim its takeover of Chasiv Yar in east Ukraine
Thursday 31 July 2025 21:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Trump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
Thursday 31 July 2025 20:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Watch: Multiple blasts hit Kyiv as Russia launches overnight drone strike
Thursday 31 July 2025 19:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Zelensky says he had good first call with Polish President-elect Nawrocki
Thursday 31 July 2025 18:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday he had a good first call with the Polish president-elect, Karol Nawrocki, who is due to assume his role next week.
"We trust that Poland will continue to be our reliable partner and ally," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, emphasising the importance of continued military, political and humanitarian support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.
In pictures: Kyiv recovers after Russian bombardment
Thursday 31 July 2025 17:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Ukraine moves to restore power of anti-graft agencies
Thursday 31 July 2025 16:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Ukrainian lawmakers have approved a bill restoring the independence of the country's two main anti-corruption agencies.
It’s a move to defuse a political crisis that has shaken faith in President Volodymyr Zelensky's wartime leadership.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days in a rare show of discontent after lawmakers led by Zelensky's ruling party rushed through amendments last week defanging the respected agencies.
Zelensky reversed course after the outcry and under pressure from top European officials, who warned that Ukraine was jeopardising its bid for EU membership by curbing the powers of its anti-graft authorities.
Lawmakers voted 331 to 0 in favour of the new Zelensky-submitted bill, which reverses measures that had given his hand-picked general prosecutor the power to transfer cases away from the agencies and reassign prosecutors.
Critics alleged the step had been designed to protect his political allies from prosecution.
Russia claims it shot down 32 Ukrainian drones overnight
Thursday 31 July 2025 15:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Russia's Ministry of Defence said it had shot down 32 Ukrainian drones overnight.
A drone attack sparked a blaze at an industrial site in Russia's Penza region, local governor Oleg Melnichenko said, adding that there were no casualties.
In the Volgograd region, some trains were halted after drone wreckage fell on railway infrastructure, state operator Russian Railways said.
Russia's Defence Ministry also said that its forces had taken full control of the strategically important city of Chasiv Yar in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.
Russian and Ukrainian troops have battled for control of Chasiv Yar for nearly 18 months. It includes a hilltop from which troops can attack other key points in the region that form the backbone of Ukraine's eastern defences.
Victor Trehubov, a Ukrainian military spokesperson, has said that Russia's claim was untrue.
Zelensky: 'Putin believes Russia has no real borders'
Thursday 31 July 2025 14:00
,
Bryony Gooch
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia only wants its borders wherever it wants them to be.
He addressed the Finnish Helsinki+50 conference marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Helsinki accords.
“One of Putin’s key ideas is that Russia has no real borders, only where it wants them to be. This is a total rejection of the post-WW2 world, and this is the foundation of the current regime in Russia.”
I addressed the Conference marking 50 years since the Helsinki Final Act. One of Putin’s key ideas is that Russia has no real borders, only where it wants them to be. This is a total rejection of the post-WW2 world, and this is the foundation of the current regime in Russia. pic.twitter.com/2jHyuvHa3s
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 31, 2025
Zelensky signs anti-corruption law
Thursday 31 July 2025 13:49
,
Sam Rkaina
Ukraine’s president Zelensky has signed his country’s anti-corruption reforms into law.
“This guarantees the normal, independent work of anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies in our country,” he said. “It is the right decision.”
“It is very important that the state listens to public opinion.
“Ukraine is a democracy – there is no doubt about that.”
Watch: Multiple blasts hit Kyiv as Russia launches overnight drone strike
Thursday 31 July 2025 13:00
,
Bryony Gooch
People trapped under the rubble in Kyiv
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:45
,
Bryony Gooch
Emergency services are searching for people trapped under rubble after a Russian strike on Kyiv.
Some have been rescued,” said Volodymyr Zelensky, who received a report from the minister of internal affairs. “Information on each name is being verified. As of now, 7 people are confirmed dead, including, tragically, a child. Dozens have been injured across different districts of the city.
“So far, 80 people have received necessary assistance; 64 have been wounded in the attack, and 50 are currently hospitalised. Among the injured are 9 children.
“Many buildings in the city have been damaged — these are ordinary residential buildings, and other facilities — all civilian.
“Among the damaged sites is one of Kyiv’s mosques. The attack was extremely insidious and deliberately calculated to overload the air defense system.
“Kyiv was the main target for ‘shaheds,’ other drones, and missiles, though there is damage in other regions as well. Rescue operations will continue as long as necessary — until the fate of every person is clarified. There are sufficient forces and resources.”
Ukraine arrests air force officer for spying on Western-supplied fighter jets
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:30
,
Arpan Rai
Ukraine's domestic security agency has detained an air force officer on charges of having spied for Russia by leaking the location of prized F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, officials said yesterday.
The unidentified officer, a flight instructor holding the rank of major, stands accused of helping Russia carry out air strikes by providing coordinates and suggesting strike tactics, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said in a statement.
"In particular, the enemy's priority targets were airfields where F-16s, Mirage 2000s and Su-24s were based," it said. F-16s are U.S.-made and Mirages are French while the Su-24 is an older, Soviet-manufactured jet bomber.
"The agent collected the coordinates of the location of these aircraft, schedules and... the order of their departure."
The SBU said the suspect had also passed data on Ukrainian air force personnel and combat tactics to Russian military intelligence.
Ukrainian parliament approves restoring independence of anti-corruption agencies
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:25
,
Bryony Gooch
Ukraine's parliament voted on Thursday to restore the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies, moving to defuse the country's biggest political crisis since Russia's invasion.
Lawmakers voted 331 to 0 in favor of the bill, which President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted last week following pressure from thousands of protesters and top European officials.
The measure now goes to Zelensky for a signature.
Trump threatens Putin's aide Medvedev to 'watch his words'
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:20
,
Arpan Rai
US president Donald Trump has threatened to keep trade with Russia to a minimum amid an escalating war of words with the Kremlin over ceasefire ultimatum.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Mr Trump said on his Truth Social account this morning.
His remarks come hours after the US said it will impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from India starting on Friday. Mr Trump has slammed India’s trade with Russia despite the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The White House had previously warned India about its high average applied tariffs. "While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high," Trump wrote in the Truth Social post.
"They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!,” Mr Trump said yesterday.
Zelensky: 'We need to block Russia's war machine'
Thursday 31 July 2025 11:10
,
Bryony Gooch
President Zelensky alleged that Russia completely rejected the post-second wold war world, but insisted Moscow can be pushed to stop the war.
The Ukrainian leader addressed the Finnish Helsinki+50 conference marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Helsinki accords.
He said that “a total rejection of the post-second world war world … is the foundation of the current regime in Russia,” but that Moscow “can be pushed to stop this war.”
“We need to fully block Russia’s war machine, cut off its arms industry, limit its energy profits, and finally, put every frozen Russian asset including stolen wealth … to work, defending against the Russian aggression.
“It’s time to confiscate the Russian assets, not just freeze them … to use them to serve peace, not war.”
But he warned: “But 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.”
Zelenskyy also spoke of President Trump’s interest in ending the war.
“Trump is truly interested in ending the war and we have to do everything we can to make sure the US and Europe act together for security.”
Zelensky: Russian leadership 'stuck in another century'
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:54
,
Bryony Gooch
President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested Russia needs to “change regime”.
The Ukrainian leader addressed the Finnish Helsinki+50 conference marking the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Helsinki accords.
He said: “Russia keeps launching such attacks, even when the whole world is calling on it to stop the war, a war that Russia started, a war that Russia keeps dragging on, a war that only the Russian leadership wants.”
He added that he thought Russia’s leadership was “mentally stuck in another century, a time of brutal violence … [and] total disregard for human rights and equality.
“We know that such ideas and such times must never return to Europe,” he said.
Kremlin says Russia has developed immunity to sanctions
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:30
,
Arpan Rai
Russia has now acquired immunity to sanctions from the West thanks to long experience, the Kremlin said yesterday, adding that it continues to monitor statements by US president Donald Trump regarding sanctions against Moscow.
"We have been living under a huge number of sanctions for quite a long time, our economy operates under a huge number of restrictions," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Therefore, of course, we have already developed a certain immunity in this regard, and we continue to note all statements that come from president Trump, from other international representatives on this matter," the aide to Russian president Vladimir Putin said.
Mr Trump on Tuesday said that the United States would start imposing tariffs and other measures on Russia in 10 days if Moscow showed no progress towards ending its more than three-year-long war in Ukraine.Russia doubled down on its defensive stance against the upcoming sanctions and said that the West seems to be stuck in a pattern.
"We see that the West simply cannot let go of the issue of sanctions. It seems as if they are constantly stuck in a rut," Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a news briefing in Moscow yesterday.
"Apparently, there are no other options left - they have been exhausted. We are responding and taking measures to counteract all of this or even turn it to our own advantage,” she said.
Ukrainian drones hit electronics plant in Russia's Penza
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:15
,
Arpan Rai
Ukrainian drones, operated by the state security agency SBU, struck an electronics plant in the western Russian city of Penza, an agency official who asked not to be named told Reuters this morning.
Following the drone attack, the plant, which produces combat control systems for the Russian military, caught fire, the source said.
Child among six killed in Russian attack on Kyiv overnight
Thursday 31 July 2025 10:00
,
Arpan Rai
Russia unleashed a combined missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least six people, including a child, and wounding dozens more, local officials said this morning.
A six-year-old boy was among those killed, said city military administrator Tymur Tkachenko, who said the overnight attack had caused damage in 27 locations across four districts of the Ukrainian capital.
President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video of burning ruins, saying people were still trapped under the rubble of one residential building. "It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals," he said on Telegram.
Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has in recent months stepped up air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far from the front line of its invasion, now in its fourth year.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian factory in one region and halt trains in another
Thursday 31 July 2025 09:35
,
Arpan Rai
The governor of Russia's Penza region said that Ukrainian drones had struck a local industrial facility this morning.
Separately, Russia's state railway company said that drone debris had hit railway infrastructure and temporarily halted trains in the southern Volgograd region.
Russia's defence ministry said that it had downed 32 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions.
Russian industrial facilities have come under regular drone attack in the course of the war.
Putin attacking Ukraine 'on purpose' while Trump has been 'patient' with him, says Ukrainian minister
Thursday 31 July 2025 09:20
,
Arpan Rai
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of attacking Ukraine on purpose after an overnight attack killed six people, including a child.
“It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals. Civilians are injured and killed. There are still people under the rubble,” Mr Sybiha said, sharing a photo of the devastation from the attack.
He added: “It is probably time to reduce to zero all of the timeframes that had been given to Putin to demonstrate a constructive approach. President Trump has been very generous and very patient with Putin, trying to find a solution.”
“Putin does it on purpose. He does not care about any attempts to put an end to the killing. He only seeks to destroy and kill. Because the entire existence of this war criminal is based on this senseless war, which he cannot win but refuses to end. He must face justice,” the Ukrainian minister said.
It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals. Civilians are injured and killed. There are still people under the rubble.
— Andrii Sybiha (@andrii_sybiha) July 31, 2025
It is probably time to reduce to zero all of the timeframes that had… pic.twitter.com/BDC8384ygV
Watch: Multiple blasts hit Kyiv as Russia launches overnight drone strike
Thursday 31 July 2025 09:06
,
Arpan Rai
Live: Search for survivors in Kyiv after overnight Russian drone strike
Thursday 31 July 2025 08:37
,
Arpan Rai
Trump threatens Putin's aide Medvedev to 'watch his words'
Thursday 31 July 2025 08:36
,
Arpan Rai
US president Donald Trump has threatened to keep trade with Russia to a minimum amid an escalating war of words with the Kremlin over ceasefire ultimatum.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Mr Trump said on his Truth Social account this morning.
His remarks come hours after the US said it will impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from India starting on Friday. Mr Trump has slammed India’s trade with Russia despite the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The White House had previously warned India about its high average applied tariffs. "While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high," Trump wrote in the Truth Social post.
"They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!,” Mr Trump said yesterday.
Widespread destruction after Russian missiles and drones rain on Kyiv
Thursday 31 July 2025 08:19
,
Arpan Rai
Ukraine’s capital city came under a massive barrage of Russian drones and missiles overnight, in an attack which killed six and injured more as officials said the death toll was likely to rise.
A large part of a nine-story residential building collapsed after it was struck, Kyiv city military administration head Tymur Tkachenko said.
Rescue teams were at the scene to rescue people trapped under the rubble.
At least 27 locations across Kyiv were hit by the attack, Mr Tkachenko said, with the heaviest damage seen in the Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts.
"Missile strike. Directly on a residential building. People are under the rubble. All services are on site," Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on his official Telegram.
Images from the scene showed plumes of smoke emanating from a partially damaged building and debris strewn on the ground. The force of the blast wave was strong enough to leave clothes hanging limply from trees.
Residents defied police orders not to return to the scene of the attacks to retrieve their belongings.
Newly appointed Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko and interior minister Ihor Klymenko also arrived at the scene.
Russia fires more than 300 drones and missiles on Ukraine overnight, says Zelensky
Thursday 31 July 2025 07:22
,
Arpan Rai
Russia launched over 300 drones and eight missiles to attack several regions in Ukraine overnight, president Volodymyr Zelensky said.
“Since the night hours, our rescuers, firefighters, medics, and all the necessary emergency services have been working at the sites of Russian missile and drone strikes. The Dnipro, Poltava, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv regions have been affected. The capital was the primary target of the massive attack,” he said.
"Today, the world once again saw Russia's response to our desire for peace, shared with America and Europe," Mr Zelensky wrote on X.
Since the night hours, our rescuers, firefighters, medics, and all the necessary emergency services have been working at the sites of Russian missile and drone strikes. The Dnipro, Poltava, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv regions have been affected. The capital was the primary target of… pic.twitter.com/Cn8VMXoijE
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 31, 2025
Putin attacking Ukraine 'on purpose' while Trump has been 'patient' with him, says Ukrainian minister
Thursday 31 July 2025 07:12
,
Arpan Rai
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of attacking Ukraine on purpose after an overnight attack killed six people, including a child.
“It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals. Civilians are injured and killed. There are still people under the rubble,” Mr Sybiha said, sharing a photo of the devastation from the attack.
He added: “It is probably time to reduce to zero all of the timeframes that had been given to Putin to demonstrate a constructive approach. President Trump has been very generous and very patient with Putin, trying to find a solution.”
“Putin does it on purpose. He does not care about any attempts to put an end to the killing. He only seeks to destroy and kill. Because the entire existence of this war criminal is based on this senseless war, which he cannot win but refuses to end. He must face justice,” the Ukrainian minister said.
It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals. Civilians are injured and killed. There are still people under the rubble.
— Andrii Sybiha (@andrii_sybiha) July 31, 2025
It is probably time to reduce to zero all of the timeframes that had… pic.twitter.com/BDC8384ygV
Ukraine's parliament to consider restoring power of anti-graft agencies
Thursday 31 July 2025 07:02
,
Arpan Rai
Ukrainian lawmakers are expected to consider a bill restoring the independence of the country's two main anti-corruption agencies today, aiming to defuse a political crisis that has shaken faith in president Volodymyr Zelensky's wartime leadership.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days in a rare show of discontent after lawmakers led by Mr Zelensky's ruling party rushed through amendments last week defanging the respected agencies.
Mr Zelensky reversed course after the outcry and under pressure from top European officials, who warned Ukraine was jeopardising its bid for EU membership by curbing the powers of its anti-graft authorities.
Demonstrations had continued even after he submitted the new bill restoring their independence, with hundreds rallying near the presidential administration in Kyiv late yesterday to chants of "Shame!" and "The people are the power!".
"I really want parliament to vote (for the new measure) just as quickly as it did last time," said protester Kateryna Kononenko, 36, referring to last week's fast-tracked approval of the controversial amendments.
Activists also called for demonstrations near parliament ahead of today’s vote in an attempt to pressure lawmakers to approve the new bill.
In photos: Ukrainian PM visits Kyiv apartments attacked by Russia overnight
Thursday 31 July 2025 06:34
,
Arpan Rai
Child among six killed in Russian attack on Kyiv overnight
Thursday 31 July 2025 06:20
,
Arpan Rai
Russia unleashed a combined missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least six people, including a child, and wounding dozens more, local officials said this morning.
A six-year-old boy was among those killed, said city military administrator Tymur Tkachenko, who said the overnight attack had caused damage in 27 locations across four districts of the Ukrainian capital.
President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video of burning ruins, saying people were still trapped under the rubble of one residential building. "It's a horrible morning in Kyiv. The brutal Russian strikes destroyed entire residential buildings and damaged schools and hospitals," he said on Telegram.
Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has in recent months stepped up air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far from the front line of its invasion, now in its fourth year.
