Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for tougher international penalties on Russia following a devastating incident in Kyiv that killed at least 31 people.
According to Zelensky, five children, the smallest of whom was two years old, were killed in the assault on Thursday, and 159 people were injured.
“No matter how much the Kremlin denies their effectiveness, sanctions do work—and they must be strengthened,” Zelensky stated.
Kyiv commemorated a day of sorrow following the attack on the capital, which destroyed an apartment tower and injured a hospital, school, nursery, and university.
Russia deployed more than 300 drones and eight cruise missiles during the nocturnal assault, according to Ukraine’s air force. The strike was one of the bloodiest Kyiv has seen since Russia launched its massive invasion in February 2022.
US President Donald Trump blasted Russia’s activities in Ukraine and hinted at fresh penalties against Moscow.
“Russia, I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing. I think it’s disgusting,” he told journalists.
On Monday, Trump set a fresh “10 or 12”-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
On Thursday, John Kelley, the interim US envoy to the United Nations, urged the UN Security Council that Russia and Ukraine “must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace.”
“It is time to make a deal,” he remarked.
Ukrainian authorities said on Friday that they had received “positive signals” from the US about potential fresh sanctions, aimed primarily at Russian oil and secondary markets.
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, said Trump has been “generous and patient,” but “now is the time to put maximum pressure on Moscow.”
Meanwhile, Germany promised on Friday to transfer two more US-made Patriot air defence systems in the next days.
According to Zelensky, in July alone, Russia launched almost 5,100 glide bombs, 3,800 Shahed drones, and 260 missiles, including 128 ballistic missiles.
“Every day matters,” he said. “This can only be stopped through joint efforts—by America, Europe, and other global actors.”
