Zelenskyy accuses Russia of using cluster warheads in deadly strikes

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russia's recent missile attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kiev, following renewed diplomatic talks between Moscow and Washington. Zelensky emphasized that since the previous day's negotiations, Russia had launched three waves of ballistic missiles at Kyiv.

He characterized the assaults as a "deliberate show of force" by Moscow in response to the recent diplomatic efforts. US special envoy Steve Witkoff had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg for discussions on the conflict, during which Witkoff hailed Putin as a "humanitarian" for releasing US citizen Stephen Hubbard. This comment drew criticism from Washington and Kiev alike.

According to Zelensky, Russia fired 21 missiles primarily targeting Kiev, causing damage to numerous residential buildings, energy facilities, railway stations, metro systems, shopping malls, and businesses. Russian forces targeted 12 regions across Ukraine during the overnight attacks, resulting in two deaths and 34 injuries, including five children.

Zelensky lamented that Russia's response to negotiations with missile strikes demonstrated no change in the Kremlin's position, urging stronger Ukrainian defenses, rapid delivery of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, and additional sanctions against Russia.

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed it targeted Ukrainian defense industries producing cruise missiles and drones, as well as transportation infrastructure in Kiev, the Odessa region port facilities, and cargo ships carrying military supplies.