Zelenskyy calls for regime change in Russia amid deadly missile strikes

Thursday 31 July 2025 - 15:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Zelenskyy calls for regime change in Russia amid deadly missile strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged international allies to push for regime change in Russia, warning that Moscow’s current leadership poses a continued threat to global stability even if its war against Ukraine ends. His remarks followed a devastating Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, which killed seven people, including a six-year-old boy.

Deadly strikes on Kyiv

The overnight assault reduced part of a nine-story apartment block in Kyiv’s western suburbs to rubble, wounding dozens and leaving rescuers searching through the debris for survivors. According to Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, “Seven lives of Kyiv residents were taken by the Russians in their night attack.” He confirmed that the victims included a young boy who died in an ambulance.

The Ukrainian air force reported that over 300 drones and eight cruise missiles were fired by Russia in the attack. The strikes come amid escalating aerial assaults by Moscow, which continues to resist international pressure to end its invasion, now entering its fourth year.

Zelenskyy’s warning to allies

Speaking at a virtual conference commemorating 50 years since the signing of the Cold War-era Helsinki Accords, Zelenskyy argued that global efforts must extend beyond ending the war. “If the world doesn’t aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilize neighboring countries,” he said.

Zelenskyy’s comments reflect growing frustration with the lack of progress in deterring Russia’s aggression. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that stronger measures, including intensified sanctions, are necessary to hold Moscow accountable.

Key battleground in the east

Meanwhile, Russia announced the capture of Chasiv Yar, a strategically significant town in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region that had been fiercely contested for months. The Russian defense ministry declared the town “liberated” by its forces, marking a potential foothold for further advances toward key Ukrainian-held cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

However, Ukrainian officials dismissed the claim as propaganda. Viktor Tregubov, a spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group of Forces, called Russia’s statement “lies” and denied the loss of the town.

Control of Chasiv Yar would represent a major milestone for Moscow, allowing its forces to move closer to achieving their goal of securing the entire Donetsk region, which Russia annexed in 2022.

Calls for increased pressure

Ukrainian officials have renewed calls for the international community to escalate pressure on Russia. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga highlighted the need for stronger action, stating, “It’s time to make [Putin] feel the pain and consequences of his choices. It’s time to put maximum pressure on Moscow.”

The strikes occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum for Russia to end its invasion within 10 days or face new sanctions. Moscow has yet to comment on Zelenskyy’s regime change appeal or the recent attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, has called for Zelenskyy’s removal from office and questioned his legitimacy.