Zelensky demands sanctions after Russia strikes kill 33 in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Folodimir Zelinski called for a stronger international sanctions on Russia after a fatal attack on Kiev, at least 31 people were killed.

Zelinski said that five children – the youngest of the two – were among the dead and 159 people were injured on Thursday.

“Regardless of the amount of the Kremlin denies its effectiveness, the sanctions work – and must be strengthened,” he said.

Kyiv noticed a day of mourning after the attack on the capital collapsed a residential bloc and was damaged in a hospital, a school, a nursery and a university.

The Ukraine Air Force said that Russia fired more than 300 drones and eight cruise missiles in the night attack. The attack was one of the bloodiest Kyivs since Russia has fired widely in February 2022.

US President Donald Trump condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and suggested new sanctions against Moscow.

“Russia, I think it is disgusting what they are doing. I think it’s disgusting,” he told reporters.

On Monday, Trump issued a new deadline “10 or 12” days for Russia to agree to the ceasefire in Ukraine.

John Kelly, the United Nations Acting Representative to the United Nations, told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday that Russia and Ukraine “should negotiate a ceasefire and solid peace.”

“It is time to conclude a deal,” he said.

Ukrainian officials said on Friday that Kiev received “positive signals” from the United States about possible new sanctions, especially targeting in Russian oil and secondary markets.

Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Sibha said that Trump was “generosity and patient”, but “now is the time to put the maximum pressure on Moscow.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, Germany has pledged to hand over additional air defense systems from the United States in the coming days.

Zelinski said in July alone, Russia has launched more than 5100 sliding bomb, 3800 drones, and 260 missiles, including 128 Basti.

“Every day it matters,” he said. “This can only be stopped through joint efforts – by America, Europe and other global actors.”