US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose fresh sanctions on Russia after Moscow launched its largest-ever aerial barrage on Ukraine, killing at least four people and setting government offices in Kyiv ablaze.
The overnight assault, which Ukraine’s air force said involved 810 drones and 13 missiles, marked the most intense wave of strikes since the war began more than three years ago.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said he was “not happy with the whole situation” and was prepared to move forward on tougher sanctions against Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the prospect of stronger US measures, stressing:
“We are counting on a strong response from America. That is what is needed.”
Kyiv Government HQ Hit
For the first time since the conflict began, a strike hit the sprawling government complex housing Ukraine’s cabinet of ministers. Flames and smoke rose from the roof as emergency crews battled fires. Drone strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings in the capital.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed its forces targeted a plant and logistics hub, denying civilian targets were hit.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko vowed to rebuild, saying:
“We will restore the buildings, but we cannot bring back lost lives.”
International Condemnation
The attack drew sharp criticism from global leaders:
- French President Emmanuel Macron pledged military support, warning Russia was “locking itself deeper into war and terror.”
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the strikes “cowardly.”
- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused Moscow of “mocking diplomacy.”
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested Washington could impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, warning:
“The Russian economy will be in full collapse. That will bring President Putin to the table.”
Civilian Toll
Authorities confirmed two fatalities west of Kyiv and dozens wounded in the capital, including a 24-year-old pregnant woman who gave birth prematurely after being injured. Doctors are fighting to save both lives.
In eastern and southeastern regions, two more people were killed and dozens injured. Ukraine’s foreign ministry also noted seven horses were killed at an equestrian club, underscoring what it called Russia’s “daily terror.”
Stalemate and Escalation
The barrage followed a failed August 15 meeting between Trump and Putin aimed at securing a ceasefire. Instead, Russia has intensified its offensive and now occupies around 20% of Ukrainian territory.
European nations have proposed overseeing a potential peace deal, with some even suggesting deploying troops. Moscow warned any Western military presence in Ukraine would be treated as a “legitimate target.”
The conflict, now in its fourth year, remains Europe’s bloodiest since World War II, with tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.
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