President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a Russian drone and missile assault in Kyiv on Friday, focusing on civilians and inflicting widespread harm and casualties.
Sharing a submit on X on Saturday, Zelenskyy mentioned, “Fragments of Russian missiles and drones are being cleared in Kyiv. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing on the websites of strikes and particles impacts — wherever they’re wanted. There have been many fires and explosions within the metropolis in a single day. As soon as once more, residential buildings, vehicles, companies have been broken. Sadly, there are accidents.”
The submit added, “It was a tough night time for all of Ukraine – 250 strike drones, absolutely the majority of them Iranian “Shaheds,” and 14 ballistic missiles. The Odesa, Vinnytsia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv, Dnipro areas suffered damages. All strikes focused civilians. There are fatalities. My condolences to the households and family members.”
Zelenskyy additional emphasised that Ukraine has repeatedly proposed ceasefires and referred to as for sanctions steps from the USA, Europe, and its allies.
“With every such assault, the world turns into extra sure that the reason for prolonging the battle lies in Moscow. Ukraine has proposed a ceasefire many occasions — each a full one and one within the skies. All of it has been ignored. It’s clear that far stronger stress should be imposed on Russia to get outcomes and launch actual diplomacy. We’re awaiting sanctions steps from the USA, Europe, and all our companions. Solely extra sanctions focusing on key sectors of the Russian financial system will power Moscow to stop hearth. I thank everybody who helps and helps us,” Zelenskyy mentioned.
Earlier on Monday, following calls with US President Donald Trump and different European leaders on the potential ceasefire talks with Russia, Zelenskyy had voiced his uncertainty about Russia’s readiness to decide to a ceasefire, citing a scarcity of belief in Moscow’s intentions.
Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s willingness to pursue a full ceasefire with out preconditions, a proposal initially put ahead by US President Donald Trump, whereas emphasising the necessity for Russia to exhibit real dedication by way of concrete actions.
“I do not know the ideas from the Russian facet. As I understood from our dialogue with US President Trump, the Russian facet desires to ship us a memo on how they see the ideas, they usually need to see not solely a ceasefire; they need some extra ideas,” Zelenskyy acknowledged.
“I actually matter on it that everyone may be very enthusiastic about a ceasefire. Too many losses; we actually need to end this battle. I am unsure that Russia is prepared and we do not belief them. And that is what we would like from them: a ceasefire, at step one, to indicate that they are actually able to cease the battle,” he added.