Zelenskyy Urges Global Pressure on Russia After Kyiv Missile Strike Kills 23

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Pro-Ukraine / Western-Aligned

Why: The article strongly reflects the Ukrainian government's narrative and criticizes Russia’s actions while highlighting U.S.-led peace efforts and Russian rejections.

Kyiv Hit by Deadliest Attack of 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling for stronger international action against Russia after a deadly missile strike on Kyiv killed at least 23 people in a residential building and injured over 140 more.

The attack occurred early Tuesday as part of a large-scale Russian barrage targeting Ukraine’s capital, in what officials described as the most lethal assault on Kyiv this year. Over 440 drones and 32 missiles were launched in a single wave aimed at overwhelming Ukraine's air defense systems.

Zelenskyy Demands Consequences

On Thursday, Zelenskyy visited the devastated Solomianskyi district alongside presidential aide Andrii Yermak and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The president laid flowers at the site where a missile had collapsed a nine-story apartment building.

“This attack is a reminder to the world that Russia rejects a ceasefire and chooses killing,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on Telegram. He called on Ukraine’s allies to intensify pressure on Moscow so that it “feels the real cost of the war.”

U.S. Ceasefire Offer Rejected by Moscow

The deadly strike comes amid renewed U.S.-led diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in the ongoing war, which has now entered its fourth year. President Donald Trump recently proposed a 30-day ceasefire agreement, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far refused, tying any deal to two conditions:

• A halt in Ukraine’s mobilization efforts

• A freeze on Western arms deliveries to Ukraine

  
  

Putin, speaking to foreign media at a press event in St. Petersburg, said that while he remains open to talks, Zelenskyy’s presidential term has expired and thus he “lacks legitimacy” — a claim rejected by Ukraine and its allies.

Ukraine Claims Russia Undermining Peace Process

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha pushed back against Russian assertions, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that Kyiv had “unconditionally accepted” the U.S. proposal 100 days ago. He accused Moscow of using diplomacy as a cover while continuing aggressive military actions.

“Ukraine remains committed to peace,” Sybiha stated, “Unfortunately, Russia continues to choose war, disregarding U.S. efforts to end the killing.”

Russia Denies Civilian Targeting

Despite images of collapsed apartment buildings and reports from Kyiv authorities, President Putin insisted that Russia only targets “military industries,” not residential areas. However, in the past month, Russia has significantly stepped up long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, raising concerns among human rights observers and foreign governments. Tuesday’s strike resulted in widespread civilian casualties, including children.

Latest Barrage: No Casualties, But Escalation Continues

On Wednesday night, Russia launched another wave of drone attacks, deploying 104 Shahed and decoy drones across Ukrainian territory. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting or jamming 88 of them. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the latest wave.

Context

This latest escalation comes as Russia pushes forward with its summer offensive along a 1,000-kilometer front line, and amid concerns that global attention is shifting away due to other crises in the Middle East and rising trade tensions. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly warned that international fatigue could embolden Moscow to continue its military campaign and avoid diplomatic accountability.