At least seven people have been killed, including two children, during intense Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, officials say.
A kindergarten was hit in Ukraine's second biggest city Kharkiv, resulting in widespread damage in Kyiv as well. Children were among the 27 people wounded in the attacks.
Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that his plans for an imminent summit in Budapest with Russia's Vladimir Putin had been shelved, stating he did not wish to engage in a wasted meeting.
President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that the attacks indicated that Moscow had not faced sufficient pressure regarding its ongoing war.
The Kremlin has dismissed calls for a ceasefire, reiterated by both Trump and European leaders. However, Russian officials stated that preparations for a Trump-Putin summit were still underway, countering the claims of it being put on hold.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that a date had yet to be set and emphasized the need for careful preparation, asserting that a summit was desired by both leaders.
Ukraine's president is currently on a European tour, following discussions in Washington last Friday regarding military aid, specifically long-range Tomahawk missiles. Zelensky stated Trump’s proposal to freeze frontline conflict was a reasonable compromise but uncertain of Putin's support.
In the context of these diplomatic tensions, Russia's drone and missile bombardments have escalated, particularly after Ukraine claimed to have successfully struck a Russian chemical plant, believed to provide essential components for ammunition.
The latest round of strikes marks a significant rise in hostilities, with an extensive attack documented on Kyiv and surrounding areas, leading to emergency power outages and significant humanitarian concerns.
As Ukraine braces for further violence, community leaders stress the urgent need for international support and solidarity against the escalating conflict.
