Russian mass attack on Kiev, Zelensky calls “over” to President TrumpIm

“Russia is now hitting anyone in the world who wants peace”, Zelensky said in his address Thursday night.

It's a blow against Ukraine... And there is also a blow from Russia against President Trump”, Zelensky stressed.

Lack of progress towards a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine has begun to anger Trump, who has threatened Moscow with new sanctions and tariffs.

“We have heard in Washington that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is supposedly ready to finish the war... But instead, he chooses ballistic missiles before every real step towards peace”, Zelensky added.

Zelensky said he expects a framework for security guarantees for Ukraine next week.

European allies have vowed to offer Ukraine guarantees for security, in case of a ceasefire, with the possibility of US involvement as well.

Zelensky told a group of European leaders at a virtual meeting that it is the key “that President Trump see that we in Europe are united in our determination to end the” war.

Meanwhile, the White House said Trump was disappointed because of Russia's attacks Thursday, as a result of which dozens of people in the Ukrainian capital were also injured.

He wasn't pleased with this news, but he wasn't even surprised. These are two countries that have been at war for a very long time”, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leawitt said at a news conference.

European, American and UN leaders condemned the Russian attack on Kiev, while Great Britain and the European Union called Russian diplomats to express their disappointment.

Senior Ukrainian leaders are expected to meet with Trump's special envoy, Steven Witkoff, in New York to discuss additional ways to help Ukraine defend itself and for efforts to end the war.

At least 21 people were killed in Kiev in the Russian missile and intimidation attack, during which residential buildings and houses were also destroyed in the capital.

One of the hardest - hit areas was in the Darnissia district of Kiev, where part of a five - story residence was hit directly.

In Kiev and its region, Friday was declared a day of mourning to honour the victims of the Russian attack.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyeen announced that the EU would soon adopt a new package of sanctions against Russia, the 19th since the launch of the full occupation in February 2022.

The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for air strikes Friday afternoon at the request of Ukraine and five members of the European Council, Britain, France, Slovenia, Denmark and Greece. / REL