Ukraine LIVE: Putin unleashes ‘hell’ on Kyiv with ballistic missile attack | World | News

Volodymyr Zelensky has said rescue and emergency operations are ongoing at the sites of strikes and places hit by debris.

In a post on social media, he said there were many fires and explosions in the city overnight, with residential buildings, cars and businesses damaged. He confirmed people were killed and injured in the overnight attacks.

Mr Zelensky said: “It was a difficult night for all of Ukraine — 250 strike drones, the absolute majority of them Iranian ‘Shaheds’, and 14 ballistic missiles. The Odesa, Vinnytsia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv, Dnipro regions suffered damages. All strikes targeted civilians. There are fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones.”

The leader said with each attack the world becomes more certain that the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow.

He added: “Ukraine has proposed a ceasefire many times — both a full one and one in the skies. It all has been ignored.

“It is clear that far stronger pressure must be imposed on Russia to get results and launch real diplomacy.”

The Ukrainian leader said his country is awaiting sanctions steps from the United States, Europe, and all its partners.

He said: “Only additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to cease fire. I thank everyone who helps and supports us.”