'Prolonging the war lies in Moscow': Zelenskyy calls for new sanctions on Russia after overnight attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for fresh international sanctions on Saturday to compel Russia to agree to a ceasefire, following overnight Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv that left 15 people wounded.

In a post on X, he said that with each such attack, the world becomes more certain that the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow.

"Fragments of Russian missiles and drones are being cleared in Kyiv. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing at the sites of strikes and debris impacts — wherever they are needed. There were many fires and explosions in the city overnight. Once again, residential buildings, cars, businesses have been damaged. Sadly, there are injuries," Zelenskyy said.


He also claimed that a total of 250 drones struck Ukraine, 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.

"With each such attack, the world becomes more certain that the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow. 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. We are awaiting sanctions steps from the United States, Europe, and all our partners. Only additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to cease fire. I thank everyone who helps and supports us," he added.

This followed the several days of Ukrainian drone attacks - some 800 attacks - on targets inside Russia, including capital Moscow.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had vowed on Friday to respond to those attacks and said the surge of Ukrainian drone attacks was "a direct consequence" of support for Ukraine by European Union countries whose leaders visited Kyiv in recent days.

"We are certain that they will be held accountable for their share of responsibility for these crimes," Lavrov said, referring to the European countries."This is clearly an attempt to disrupt peace talks and undermine progress made in Istanbul following the agreements between the presidents of Russia and the United States...We will continue this work no matter what provocations there may be."