Zelensky urges more sanctions on Russia

AFTER OVERNIGHT ATTACK

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that new international sanctions were needed to force Russia to agree a ceasefire, after Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv overnight injured 15 people.

"Only additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to cease fire," he said on X, adding that "the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow."

A massive Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv Saturday wounded at least 15 people, just as Russia and Ukraine were in the middle of a major prisoner swap.

Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones in total overnight, adding that Kyiv was "the main target of the enemy attack".

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said on X the barrage was "clear evidence that increased sanctions pressure on Moscow is necessary to accelerate the peace process".

Kyiv city officials reported fires and fallen debris in several parts of the Ukrainian capital, after AFP journalists heard explosions overnight.

The police said 15 people were injured in Kyiv and two more in the surrounding region.

Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak said Russia was "doing everything it can to prevent a ceasefire and continue the war".