War crimes are part of Russia's strategy in Ukraine, retired U.S. Army colonel says

Live updates

1. 24d ago

   Russian Missile Strikes Kill 15 in Kyiv as War Crimes Strategy Cited

   Russian missile and drone attacks killed 15 people in Kyiv during a massive overnight strike. Ukraine is currently preparing for combined salvos that could include up to 200 missiles. A retired U.S. Army colonel asserts that war crimes are a deliberate part of Russia's broader strategy in Ukraine. These strikes target a city already under siege, exploiting known shortages in Ukrainian air defense systems to maximize casualties and destruction.

   Why it matters

   Kyiv remains a primary target for Russian long-range munitions. The persistent targeting of urban centers suggests a strategy of attrition against civilian infrastructure. Air defense gaps leave the capital vulnerable to large-scale aerial campaigns.

   What is confirmed

   • An overnight Russian attack killed 15 people in Kyiv.
   • Russia used missiles and drones in a massive attack on Kyiv.
   • Russia is exploiting shortages in Ukrainian air defense.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine is bracing for combined salvos of up to 200 missiles.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of total casualty counts from the Kyiv strikes
   • Deployment of additional air defense systems to Kyiv
   • Official responses to the claim that war crimes are a Russian strategy
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. CNN — Russia again exploits Ukrainian air defense shortages as deadly strikes pound Kyiv
   2. PBS — War crimes are part of Russia's strategy in Ukraine, retired U.S. Army colonel says
   3. The New York Times — A City Under Siege
   4. Reuters — Scenes from Kyiv following massive Russian missile and drone attack
   5. Defense News — Ukraine braces for combined salvos of up to 200 missiles as overnight attack kills 15 in Kyiv
   6. Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 20, 2026
   confidence 80%