Sat May 24 09:27:26 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following a large prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, a series of overnight attacks have intensified, with Ukraine reporting widespread damage and casualties from Russian drones and missiles across multiple regions, including Kyiv. Russia, in turn, claims to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones targeting its own territory. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy asserts that these attacks demonstrate Russia’s unwillingness to pursue a ceasefire and calls for increased international sanctions to force Moscow into genuine diplomatic negotiations. The G7 has also threatened further sanctions if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire.
**News Article:**
**Zelenskyy Accuses Moscow of Sabotaging Ceasefire with Overnight Attacks**
Kyiv, Ukraine – In the wake of a significant prisoner exchange, a barrage of overnight attacks attributed to Russia has sparked renewed calls for intensified sanctions against Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, asserting that they are proof Russia is deliberately prolonging the war and obstructing any potential ceasefire agreement.
Ukrainian military officials reported that Russian forces launched approximately 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles, targeting Kyiv and other regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Zaporizhia. The attacks resulted in damage to residential buildings and infrastructure, injuring at least 15 people in the capital. Air defenses reportedly intercepted a significant number of the incoming projectiles.
“It is obvious that we need to put much more pressure on Russia to get results and start real diplomacy,” Zelenskyy stated in a social media post. “We are waiting for sanctions from the US, Europe and all our partners. Only additional sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.”
Russia’s Ministry of Defence countered, claiming that its forces intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian regions, including Belgorod, Kursk, and even areas northwest of Moscow.
The escalating hostilities come just hours after a major prisoner exchange between the two countries, raising concerns that recent prisoner release won’t lead to a peace agreement.
The G7 nations have echoed Zelenskyy’s call for action, warning Russia of further sanctions if it fails to agree to a ceasefire. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Russia for sending “deadly drones and missiles at civilians” instead of engaging in constructive peace talks.
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