Russian president Vladimir Putin is “banking on escalation rather than negotiation,” German chancellor Friedrich Merz said yesterday after a massive attack on Ukraine and its capital Kyiv flattened an apartment block and killed at least 21 people.
Day of mourning in Kyiv
Kyiv entered a day of mourning on Friday for the victims of the devastating Russian strike, which destroyed some 18 apartments in one block. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that two children were among the dead, bringing the toll to at least nine from that single strike. Across the country, the attacks left 21 dead and dozens wounded, with more than 180 facilities damaged, including over 50 residential buildings.
Escalation over negotiation
Merz said the Russian attacks “speak a different language” to public statements from Putin suggesting the war could be nearing an end. “Kyiv and its partners are ready for negotiations aimed at a just peace,” said Merz. “Russia, for its part, is continuing the war.”
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russia used ballistic and cruise missiles in the assault and launched more than 1,560 drones against Ukrainian population centres since Wednesday. In a further escalation, a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs vehicle came under fire from Russian drones during a mission in the southern city of Kherson, according to Zelensky.
Briefing: What we know on the 1,541st day of the war
- Kyiv observes a day of mourning after a major Russian attack left 21 dead and dozens wounded.
- President Zelensky says Russia launched 1,567 drones since Wednesday, just days after Putin said the war was “coming to an end.”
- At least 180 facilities were damaged, including more than 50 residential buildings.
- A UN vehicle came under fire from Russian drones during a humanitarian mission in Kherson.
- German chancellor Merz says the bombardment shows Putin is “banking on escalation rather than negotiation.”
