Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian attacks overnight on Kyiv killed at least 14 people, including three children. He described the assault as a “horrific and deliberate killing of civilians.”

The strikes damaged dozens of residential buildings, offices, and civilian businesses, including the premises of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy Calls for Tougher Sanctions

In response, Zelenskyy urged international allies to impose harsher measures on Moscow. He said, “It is crucial now that the world responds firmly. Russia must stop this war it started and continues. For the spurning of ceasefire and for the constant Russian attempts to weasel out of negotiations, new strong sanctions are needed. Only this can work. The Russians understand only strength and pressure. For every strike, Moscow must feel the consequences.”

He also highlighted Moscow’s ongoing aggression, noting, “The Russians are not choosing to end the war, only new strikes.” He pointed out that Russia has repeatedly rejected ceasefire efforts and avoided negotiations.

EU Summons Russian Envoy

Following the strike that damaged the EU diplomatic mission in Kyiv, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas summoned Russia’s envoy in Brussels. She wrote on X, “No diplomatic mission should ever be a target. In response, we are summoning the Russian envoy in Brussels.”

Russia Claims Interest in Diplomacy

Meanwhile, Russia maintained it remains interested in talks but continues attacks on Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “The Russian armed forces are fulfilling their tasks. They continue to strike military and military-adjacent infrastructure facilities. At the same time, Russia remains interested in continuing the negotiation process. The aim is to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means.”

Diplomatic Efforts Stall

Thursday’s assault marked the first major Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv since US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month to discuss ending the war.

Although talks appeared to gain momentum after that meeting, details on next steps remain scarce. Western leaders have accused Putin of delaying peace efforts and avoiding serious negotiations while Russian troops expand into Ukraine. Ukrainian forces confirmed that Russia has advanced into an eighth region of the country.

Zelenskyy reiterated his call for stronger US sanctions to pressure Moscow. “All deadlines have already been broken, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy ruined,” he said.

Trump also criticized Putin’s stalling on a US proposal for direct talks with Zelenskyy, adding he will decide on next steps in two weeks if such talks do not take place.