Live: Kyiv Death Toll Rises to 24 After Russian Attack; Russian Economy Contracts

This live report from Le Monde details the aftermath of a massive Russian bombing campaign against Kyiv on May 15, 2026. Emergency services confirmed that the death toll has risen to 24, including three children, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to order the Ukrainian military to prepare a retaliatory response. The capital observed a day of mourning as residents gathered at sites of destroyed residential buildings. Beyond the immediate conflict, the report highlights significant economic developments, noting that Russia's GDP contracted by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2026, marking its first quarterly decline in three years due to sanctions and war-related expenditures. Additionally, a diplomatic incident unfolded involving the cargo ship Panormitis, which is carrying allegedly stolen Ukrainian grain. After being rejected by Israeli importers, the vessel is attempting to dock in Turkey, with Ukrainian officials urging Ankara to refuse entry. The article combines real-time updates on civilian casualties with broader geopolitical and economic contexts surrounding the ongoing war.