Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on global leaders on Sunday to amplify their efforts to exert pressure on Russia, following a second consecutive night of significant airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals in Ukraine.
“Without genuinely vigorous pressure on the Russian authorities, this cruelty will not cease. Sanctions will indeed assist,” Zelensky stated on social media, urging the United States, European nations, and “all those around the globe who desire peace” to demonstrate their “resolve” in urging Moscow to end the conflict.
Ukraine’s emergency services reported a night of “terror” as Russia launched another set of extensive airstrikes on Ukraine, targeting areas including the capital, Kyiv, after an assault with ballistic missiles and drones occurred overnight from Friday to Saturday.
This latest bout of violence occurs while both sides are engaged in their largest prisoner exchange since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and as the United States attempts to mediate a ceasefire to stop the almost three-year-old conflict.
The recent Russian attacks resulted in casualties that included three children aged 8, 12, and 17 in the Zhytomyr region, according to officials.
Ukrainian military reported early on Sunday that they intercepted 45 Russian missiles and 266 attack drones during the night.
Additionally, four fatalities were confirmed in the western Khmelnytskyi region, four in the Kyiv area, and one in Mykolaiv in the southern part of the country.
Emergency services indicated that four people lost their lives and 16 were wounded in the Kyiv region, including three children, amidst the “massive night assault.”
Journalists from AFP reported hearing explosions in Kyiv, with Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the military administration in the city, warning that “the night will not be easy.”
Despite the capital being “under attack,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reassured that “air defenses are functioning well.”
Meanwhile, Russian authorities announced the interception of several drones heading towards Moscow.
In Moscow, restrictions were implemented at least at four airports, including the main Sheremetyevo airport, as reported by the Russian civil aviation authority.
