Zelensky: Russia hit Kyiv with 21 ballistic missiles after talks

Russia launched 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv in three waves overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday. According to him, residential buildings, energy facilities, the infrastructure of one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping centers, businesses and even a monastery were hit.

What Zelensky said about the strike

Zelensky noted that the attack began “almost immediately after another round of talks.” In his view, this means Russia's position has not changed. That is why, he stressed, real pressure must be put on Moscow to bring the war to an end: stronger air defense, fast deliveries of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, and war-related sanctions. He thanked those who see the situation for what it is.

The row over Witkoff's words

In his statement, Zelensky took aim at Steve Witkoff, who had called Putin “humanitarian.” The remark came after the Kremlin leader released Hubbard, whom Russian forces had detained in eastern Ukraine and held in custody since 2022. When Donald Trump was asked whether he agreed with that description, he replied that in this particular context, that is, for the sake of freeing a man who believed he would spend the rest of his life in prison, it could be said.

Other Republicans were sharper. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis called the remark awkward and outrageous and suggested that Witkoff ask the families of the children whom, he said, Putin had abducted and killed. Texas Senator John Cornyn wrote that Putin is a cold-blooded killer. Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon, who regularly criticizes the Trump administration's approach to Russia and Ukraine, called the situation yet another awkward one. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst said that Putin is neither a friend nor a humanist, and that concessions will not end the war, pressure will.

Sanctions and Trump's position

Witkoff's words came shortly after Trump last week unexpectedly canceled new US sanctions against Russia two days before they were due to take effect. In doing so, he went against Congress and against his recently deceased friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, who had secured the passage of that measure. A week earlier, Trump had eased sanctions on Russian oil and announced an agreement with Putin on supplying Russian oil to the American market. He also said recently that Russia is behaving fairly toward Ukraine and is “doing almost nothing there.”

Around Prague guide on the topic: Prague metro: map and tickets

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz