Kiev [Ukraine], October 25: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday condemned massive Russian attacks on Kiev and other regions of Ukraine following renewed talks between Moscow and Washington.
"Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian 'humanitarians' since yesterday evening," Zelensky wrote on X.
He described the strikes as a deliberate show of force by Moscow following the previous day's negotiations. US special envoy Steve Witkoff had met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg for talks on Russia's war against Ukraine.
As cameras rolled, Witkoff praised Putin as a "humanitarian" for releasing US citizen Stephen Hubbard on Wednesday. The comment sparked backlash in Washington - even within President Donald Trump's Republican Party - and in Kiev.
Following the meeting, the Kremlin raised the prospect of new trilateral talks involving representatives of Moscow, Kiev and Washington in mid-November.
Zelensky: 21 missiles fired at Ukraine overnight According to Zelensky, Russia launched 21 missiles, primarily targeting Kiev.
"Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged: ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, infrastructure at one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping malls, and businesses," he said.
A total of 12 regions across Ukraine were targeted in overnight Russian attacks, Zelensky said. Two people were killed and 34 others injured, including five children.
The attacks showed that Russia had not changed its position, the Ukrainian president said.
"But when Russia responds to negotiations with ballistic missiles, real pressure on Russia is needed to bring about different steps - steps toward ending the killing," Zelensky said.
He called for stronger Ukrainian air defences, the rapid delivery of missiles, the capability to destroy ballistic missile launchers and further sanctions against Russia over the war.
The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had targeted Ukrainian defence industry facilities involved in the production and storage of cruise missiles and drones.
It also said it struck transport infrastructure in Kiev, port facilities in the Odessa region and cargo ships allegedly carrying military supplies.
Source: Qatar Tribune