Ukraine, Russia Vow Escalation After Moscow Attack Kills 21 in Kyiv

Ukraine and Russia have vowed to escalate their conflict following a massive Russian assault on Kyiv that killed at least 21 people and destroyed apartment buildings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspected the damage in the capital on Thursday, stating his forces would "definitely" retaliate for the overnight pummeling. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced plans to further ramp up "pressure" on Kyiv, maintaining its uncompromising stance as rescuers searched for survivors amid the rubble.

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The attack, which began late Wednesday and lasted into early Thursday, involved Russian missiles and drones raining down on residential areas in the city center. Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as the "enemy's most massive attack on the capital." The state emergency services reported that 21 people were killed and 85 were wounded, including two children. The Ukrainian branch of the Red Cross stated its main warehouse was destroyed, resulting in the loss of approximately $2 million worth of humanitarian aid.

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enemy's most massive attack on the capital

European Union's top diplomat proposed new sanctions against Moscow in response to the attack. President Zelensky emphasized the critical need for more air defense supplies, particularly requesting licenses from the United States to manufacture Patriot air defense missiles. Ukraine aims to produce munitions for the U.S.-made interceptor system, a key defense against Russian ballistic missiles, though experts note domestic production would take time. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia fired 496 drones and 74 missiles, claiming to have shot down 48 missiles and 476 drones.

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Air defens supplies for Ukraine are an absolute and critical priority. We also very much count on a decision by the United States regarding licenses for Patriots.