Putin condemned for killing children in huge Kyiv attack

Russia has killed at least 21 people, including four children, in a massive wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's capital that has drawn international condemnation.

- SAM KILEY

Sir Keir Starmer accused Vladimir Putin of “sabotaging hopes of peace” with the attacks that took place in the early hours yesterday and saw more than 600 drones and over 30 missiles launched.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strike, the second largest attack since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, was Moscow's answer to diplomatic efforts to end its war.

Moscow claimed it only hit military targets but the UK summoned the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Office in London to receive an official complaint after the British Council building in Kyiv was struck by a missile. The death toll from the overnight attacks continued to rise yesterday, with dozens more people wounded.

“Putin is killing children and civilians and sabotaging hopes of peace. This bloodshed must end,” the British prime minister said.