Zelensky Demands Increased Global Pressure on Russia Amid Escalating Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on global leaders on Sunday to intensify their pressure on Russia, following a second consecutive night of significant air strikes that resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals in Ukraine.

«Only substantial pressure on the Russian leadership can put an end to this brutality. Sanctions will undoubtedly contribute,» Zelensky stated in a social media post, urging the United States, European nations, and «all who aspire for peace worldwide» to demonstrate their «commitment» in compelling Moscow to cease hostilities.

Ukraine’s emergency services characterized the night as filled with «terror» as Russia carried out major aerial assaults for the second night in a row, targeting areas including the capital, Kyiv, after a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones from Friday night into Saturday.

These latest attacks come amid the largest prisoner exchange efforts between the two nations since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, coinciding with U.S. attempts to negotiate a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict.

The casualty figures from the most recent Russian strikes included three children aged 8, 12, and 17 in the northwestern Zhytomyr region, according to officials.

Early Sunday, Ukraine’s military reported that it had successfully intercepted 45 Russian missiles and 266 attack drones overnight.

Furthermore, four fatalities were recorded in the western Khmelnytskyi region, four in the Kyiv region, and one in Mykolaiv in the south.

Emergency services reported that four individuals died and 16 were injured in the Kyiv region, including three children, due to the «massive night attack.»

AFP reporters in Kyiv heard explosions, while Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the city’s military administration, cautioned that «the night will not be easy.»

Kyiv was «under attack,» but Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that «air defenses are in operation.»

In tandem, Russian officials reported downing around a dozen drones that were heading towards Moscow.

In Moscow, at least four airports, including the main Sheremetyevo Airport, implemented restrictions, as confirmed by the Russian civilian aviation authority.