Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “silence of America” after Russia launched deadly attacks across Ukraine overnight on Saturday into early Sunday morning.
“The world may go on a weekend break, but the war continues, regardless of weekends and weekdays,” Zelensky wrote in a post on X. “This cannot be ignored. Silence of America, silence of others around the world only encourage Putin.”
In the brutal assault, Russia reportedly launched 298 drones and 69 missiles in a coordinated aerial strike. According to Ukrainian officials, 12 civilians were killed, including three children from the same family in the Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv. Thirty-eight people were also injured in what was the largest aerial bombardment since the war begun in 2022.
The attack came one day after another wave of Russian bombardment killed at least 13 people in Ukraine.
Zelensky said the attacks warrant tougher sanctions from the west against Russia.
“Each such terrorist attack by Russia is a sufficient reason for new sanctions,” he said.
“Determination matters now – the determination of the United States, of European countries, and of all those around the world who seek peace,” Zelensky added. “The world knows all the weaknesses of the Russian economy. The war can be stopped, but only through the necessary force of pressure on Russia. Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war.”
The attacks came despite the largest prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia since the war taking place.
Almost 800 Ukrainian and Russian prisoners were released on Friday and over 600 people were released on Saturday during the initial phases of the swap. An additional 600 were exchanged on Sunday in the final phase of the prisoner exchange.
