U.S. President Trump issues threat of increased economic penalties towards Russia following an extensive air strike against Ukraine.
In a disturbing turn of events, Ukraine has witnessed a series of deadly attacks over the past day, with two more lives lost and dozens injured across the east and southeast of the country. The latest assault on Kyiv marked the first time the sprawling government complex that houses Ukraine's cabinet of ministers has been targeted during the three-and-a-half-year conflict.
The attacks have prompted strong condemnation from European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Labour leader Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Macron labelled Russia's actions as "locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror", while Starmer denounced the attacks as "cowardly". Von der Leyen accused the Kremlin of "mocking diplomacy".
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has also responded to these attacks. Trump has threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's spokesperson, Scott Bessent, suggested that Washington might impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. This move would put pressure on allies to unite in sanctioning Russia.
Notably, Trump has been trying to find a way to end the war but has little to show for his efforts. Despite this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a strong US response to the attack and said that Putin is "testing the world".
In a bid to strengthen Ukraine's defense, Zelensky discussed the attack with Macron and said that France would help Ukraine in this regard. At least 24 European countries have pledged to oversee any agreement to end the war, with some willing to deploy troops on the ground.
The conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and forced millions from their homes, has been a source of tension between Russia and the West since 2014. Russia has continued to claim territory in Ukraine and now occupies around 20% of the country. Putin has warned that any Western troops in Ukraine would be unacceptable and legitimate targets.
Russia denies targeting civilians in Ukraine. However, a pregnant woman was among those wounded in Kyiv, and her life and that of her premature baby are in danger. The attacks also claimed the lives of two more people, and at least two dozen were injured in Kyiv. Drone strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings in the Ukrainian capital, according to emergency services.
In a meeting on August 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump failed to make a breakthrough on a ceasefire. Since then, Russia has intensified its onslaught against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, has stated that they will restore the damaged buildings, but they cannot bring back the lives lost in the attack.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains united in its condemnation of Russia's actions and its call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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