Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults in months against Ukraine in the early hours of 28 August, firing 31 missiles and deploying roughly 600 drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Kyiv officials said the barrage, which struck residential areas, rail facilities and foreign diplomatic premises, left at least 21 people dead and about 63 injured across the capital. Local authorities described the attack as the second-biggest of the war and reported damage to energy infrastructure that triggered temporary power cuts. The White House condemned the strikes. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Donald Trump was “not happy” but “not surprised” by Moscow’s actions and is closely monitoring developments. Trump, who has positioned himself as a mediator since taking office in January, is expected to issue a fuller statement later in the day. U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg said the assault “flies in the face” of Trump’s peace initiative and jeopardises ongoing diplomacy aimed at ending the conflict that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion. UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson offered a similar assessment, calling the bombardment a “mockery” of international efforts to secure a cease-fire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged Washington and European allies to impose additional sanctions on Russia, while the European Union and the United Kingdom summoned Russian envoys in protest. The Kremlin said its forces hit military-industrial targets and reiterated that it remains open to negotiations.