Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described Russia’s large-scale overnight attack on Kyiv as its response to US peace initiatives.

He wrote about the attack on social media on Thursday, 22 October, commenting on the consequences of the aggressor state’s latest war crime.

The Russian attack followed talks in Moscow during which White House special envoy Steve Witkoff called Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin a “humanist”.

“Since the evening, Russian ‘humanists’ have launched three waves of ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv, using 21 missiles. Unfortunately, there have been numerous hits and extensive damage across the city: ordinary homes, energy facilities, infrastructure at one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping centres and businesses. Even a monastery was among the damaged sites. Our emergency services are working everywhere,” the President said.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the attack targeted 12 regions across Ukraine, killing two people and injuring another 34, with injuries ranging in severity.

“Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a strike intended to send a message. This means there has been no genuine change in its attitude towards what is happening. It is important to keep trying to find the right solutions to end this war. But when Russian ballistic missiles are the response to negotiations, real pressure on Russia is needed to bring about different steps — steps towards ending the killing. Stronger air defences, rapid missile deliveries, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers and sanctions over the war — all of this is necessary,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.