Russia said on Thursday it would keep increasing pressure on Ukraine, following a massive overnight strike on Kyiv that killed at least 17 people and wounded scores.

Attack Details

Ukraine said Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 drones in the attack, which destroyed a number of residential buildings. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it had been aimed exclusively at “military or quasi-military targets”.

Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been briefed by his top military commander, Valery Gerasimov, on the results of what he called a “massive retaliatory strike” against Kyiv and other locations.

Escalating Tensions

In the fifth year of the war, Russia has stepped up its missile and drone attacks, especially on Kyiv, as Ukraine has intensified its own drone strikes on Russia’s energy sector, inflicting heavy damage that has led to widespread fuel shortages.

Asked about a statement by European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that the EU would propose yet more sanctions to step up pressure on Russia, Peskov replied: “Russia will continue to intensify pressure on the Kyiv regime in order to achieve the goals it has set.”

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.