Recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv have resulted in civilian casualties, drawing sharp criticism from German leadership regarding the prospects for peace.
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.. Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used ballistic and cruise missiles in the attack and launched more than 1,560 drones against Ukrainian population centres since Wednesday.. At least nine people were killed in a devastating strike that destroyed some 18 apartments in one block, with Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting that two children were among the dead.. Klitschko declared Friday as a day of mourning for the victims.. Merz said the Russian attacks “speak a different language” to the public statements from Vladimir 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 war, Kyiv strike, Vladimir Putin, Friedrich Merz, Russia aggression, Ukraine peace talks