Heartbreak and Resilience: Kyiv's Ongoing Struggle Amid Russian Strikes

In a grim development, Ukrainian rescuers have recovered over a dozen additional bodies from the ruins of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv, raising the death toll from Russia's deadliest air strike this year on Ukraine's capital to 31.

Among the deceased were five children, including a two-year-old. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed on Friday the conclusion of what had been a prolonged rescue operation after Russia's extensive drone and missile assault. The offensive, involving over 300 drones and eight missiles, wounded 159 people and is the latest in Russia's aggressive campaign against Ukrainian cities.

The heaviest destruction occurred in the Sviatoshyn district. President Donald Trump criticized Russia's actions, emphasizing economic pressure if demands aren't met. As mourners honored victims, skepticism grew regarding the effectiveness of foreign diplomatic interventions in curbing Russian aggression.

(With inputs from agencies.)