Zelenski requires sanctions after Russia struck killed 33 in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski called for a stronger international sanctions against Russia after killing at least 31 people.

Zelenski said five children – the youngest of two years – were among the dead and 159 were injured in the attack on Thursday.

“As much as it denies the Kremlin’s effectiveness, sanctions work – and they must be strengthened,” he said.

Kiev watches a day of mourning after the attack on the capital collapsed an apartment block and damage a hospital, school, nursery and university.

Russia has released over 300 drones and eight cruise missiles in the attack overnight, the Air Force of Ukraine reported. The attack was one of the deadliest Kiev after Russia launched its large-scale invasion in February 2022.

US President Donald Trump has condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and suggested new sanctions for Moscow to come.

“Russia, I think it’s disgusting what they do. I think it’s disgusting,” he told reporters.

On Monday, Trump issued a new deadline for “10 or 12” for Russia to agree to the cessation of fire in Ukraine.

John Kelly, the US -based representative in the United Nations organization, told the UN Security Council on Thursday that Russia and Ukraine “have to negotiate fire and lasting peace.”

“It’s time to make a deal,” he said.

Ukrainian officials on Friday said Kiev had received “positive signals” from the United States for potential new sanctions, more specially focused on Russian oil and secondary markets.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrius Sibiha said Trump was “generous and patient”, but this “now is the time to put maximum pressure on Moscow.”

In the meantime, Germany promised to deliver two additional US air defense systems in the United States on Friday in the coming days.

Zelenski said only in July, Russia launched over 5100 sliding bombs, 3800 Shahed drones and 260 rockets, including 128 ballistic ones.

“Every day matters,” he said. “This can only be stopped through joint efforts – from America, Europe and other global participants.”