Ukrainian President Zelenskyy promises response to recent Russian attack

Ukraine’s Air Force Confirms Largest Aerial Assault Since War Began

A strike on an apartment block in Kyiv, Ukraine, killed at least 24 people and three children on Thursday. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described the attack as “entirely justified” after Russia flattened the building.

Zelenskyy also warned that Russia’s attacks would not go unpunished, stating that he had discussed long-range strikes with senior military officials. A day of mourning was observed in Kyiv following the attack.

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that the strike was part of Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began over four years ago. Zelenskyy added that Moscow was attempting to draw Belarus deeper into the conflict and alleged that Russia was preparing strikes against more than 20 decision-making centers across Ukraine.

In response, Ukraine launched a large-scale long-range drone attack targeting energy and military infrastructure in several Russian regions. At least four people were killed in a drone strike in Ryazan, according to regional officials.

The exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia was completed on Friday, with 205 prisoners released from each side as part of last week’s three-day ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. The swap is expected to be repeated, with both sides aiming to exchange a total of 1,000 prisoners each.

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the war was nearing its end last weekend, but Zelenskyy dismissed this claim, stating that Moscow had no intention of ending the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera