In a shocking turn of events, Russian forces reportedly take the lives of 22 innocent civilians in Ukraine, as the Kremlin stands firm amidst Trump's warnings.
In a series of drone and missile attacks, Russian forces have targeted civilian locations near frontline and rear areas in Ukraine, causing significant casualties and destruction. The attacks, which occurred on July 28-29, 2025, resulted in over 20 civilian deaths and dozens of injuries across 73 cities, towns, and villages [1][3].
One of the deadliest attacks was a strike on a correctional colony in Bilenke, Zaporizhzhia, where at least 16-17 inmates were killed and around 80 others injured [2][3][4]. In the Dnipropetrovsk (Dnipro) region, Russian missile attacks damaged medical facilities, including maternity and city hospitals, resulting in several deaths [3].
The strikes included Russian Iskander-M ballistic missiles launched from Rostov Oblast and Crimea, and numerous Shahed-type and decoy drones from different regions [1]. Reports also confirm the use of glide bombs—guided aerial bombs that can precisely hit targets like the prison in Zaporizhzhia [2][3]. These represent an ongoing Russian tactic to target civilian and military-related infrastructure.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many drones and missiles, but some strikes still hit key sites, such as the prison in Zaporizhzhia [1]. In response, Ukrainian forces have intensified strikes on Russian logistics hubs [1].
President Donald Trump has responded to these attacks by issuing a 10-12 day ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the attacks and make peace progress, moving up from a previous 50-day deadline set two weeks prior [2][3]. Trump stated disappointment with Putin and warned of stiff sanctions and tariffs if Russia does not comply by early August 2025 [2][3]. The Kremlin has not officially responded to this new deadline, though Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of the country's Security Council, criticized Trump's ultimatum approach [2].
Ukraine has been developing its own long-range drone technology to fight back against Russian strikes, with 32 Shahed drones being intercepted or neutralized by Ukrainian air defenses [1].
Despite international condemnation, calls from Ukraine labeling the attacks as war crimes, and President Trump's warnings, the strikes continue [2][3]. The strike on the prison in Zaporizhzhia destroyed the prison's dining hall, damaged administrative and quarantine buildings, but no escapes were reported [2][3][4]. A cargo train was set ablaze at the Salsk station in Russia, and the railway traffic via Salsk was suspended due to the drone attack [1]. Explosions shattered windows in two cars of a passenger train, and passengers were evacuated [1].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported the casualties and condemned the attacks as deliberate war crimes [3]. However, he welcomed Trump's move on the timeline, stating that everyone needs peace [3].
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, July 29). Ukraine crisis: Russia 'downs 74 Ukrainian drones' in overnight attacks. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58216063
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 29). Trump gives Putin 10-12 days to end Ukraine war, moves up deadline. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-gives-putin-10-12-days-end-ukraine-war-moves-deadline-2025-07-29/
[3] The Guardian. (2025, July 29). Russia strikes Ukraine: at least 22 dead in attacks on 73 cities, towns and villages. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/russia-strikes-ukraine-at-least-22-dead-in-attacks-on-73-cities-towns-and-villages
[4] Sky News. (2025, July 29). Ukraine prison attack: At least 17 inmates killed in Russian strike. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-prison-attack-at-least-17-inmates-killed-in-russian-strike-12579242
- In the realm of general news, ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine continue to witness escalations, with politics playing a significant role in international responses, such as President Donald Trump issuing an ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks and make peace progress.
- Meanwhile, in crime-and-justice updates, a particularly devastating strike on a correctional colony in Bilenke, Zaporizhzhia, resulted in the death of at least 16-17 inmates, highlighting the persistent targeting of civilian infrastructure in this war-and-conflicts.
