Russia accused of harming peace talks as Kyiv mourns strike dead

European leaders have accused Vladimir Putin of undermining peace talks, after Russian missile strikes on Kyiv killed at least 23 people and damaged diplomatic buildings, including EU and British Council offices.

- Jennifer Rankin Brussels Dan Sabbagh Krakow

A day of mourning for those who died in the attack, who included at least four children, was observed in Kyiv yesterday.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said eight people were still missing and 53 had been injured. "When instead of diplomacy Russia chooses ballistics... the world must respond accordingly," he said, urging western allies to impose further sanctions.

Ukraine's president said Russia was massing a force of 100,000 troops near the eastern city of Pokrovsk. "There is a buildup and concentration of the enemy there. Up to 100,000 - that's what we have as of this morning. They are preparing offensive actions," Zelenskyy said.