Zelensky demands tougher sanctions after Russian strikes kill 31 in Kyiv

Russian strikes hit Kyiv, killing 31 and injuring 87

Russian missiles hit a residential block and a hotel in Kyiv Wednesday, killing dozens and injuring many more. The strikes came after Ukraine launched a counterattack on Tuesday, claiming to have recaptured several settlements in the south of the country. Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, responded to the attacks, calling for stronger sanctions against Russia and for Russia to be convicted as a terrorist state. NATO has since condemned the attack, with the alliance's secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, describing the attacks as war crimes.

Russia's recent offensive

Russia has been conducting a full-scale offensive in Ukraine since February 2022. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's southern regions, hoping to capture the entirety of the south and secure a coastline along the Black Sea. Ukrainian forces have managed to repel many of these attacks, but Russian forces have made some gains, particularly in the Kherson region. Russian missile and drone attacks have continued to target Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including cities far from the front line.

Sanctions and counterattacks

Western allies have imposed severe sanctions on Russia since the invasion in February. These sanctions have targeted Russia's economy, banking system, and President Putin himself. In response to the Russian missile attack on Kyiv today, President Zelensky has again called for tougher sanctions, this time asking for Russia to be convicted as a terrorist state. Zelensky also called for the restoration of Ukraine's full treaty partnership with the NATO alliance.