Zelensky condemns Russia’s missile strikes on Kyiv as peace talk prospects dim

Russia launched a wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine early Monday, targeting six districts in Kyiv and striking apartment buildings, a nursery, and public infrastructure, just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled readiness for new peace talks.

At least two people were killed and 15 others injured, including a 12-year-old boy, according to Zelensky, who described the bombardment as an “assault on humanity.” The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia fired a total of 450 drones and missiles during the attack.

The strikes caused extensive damage in Kyiv, with fires breaking out at a supermarket, multiple residential areas, and a metro station used as a shelter. Damage was also reported in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot arrived in Kyiv during the aftermath, visiting the damaged Lukyanivka metro station. He condemned the attacks, saying, “The shelters themselves are no longer entirely safe… This comes even as President Zelensky’s statement on Saturday showed Ukraine’s willingness to enter into new negotiations with Russia.”

Despite Zelensky’s call, Moscow has yet to respond. There has also been no reply to a warning reportedly issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly gave Russia 50 days to pursue peace or face severe sanctions.

Meanwhile, the European Union recently approved its 18th sanctions package targeting Russian banks and oil exports. Barrot noted the move aims to raise the cost of war for Moscow and pressure President Vladimir Putin back to the negotiating table.

The last round of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia took place over a month ago in Istanbul, ending without a ceasefire agreement but resulting in some prisoner swaps. At that meeting, Moscow demanded Ukraine cede more territory and renounce Western military aid—terms Kyiv dismissed as unacceptable.

The ongoing conflict, now in its third year, shows little sign of resolution as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.