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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says India is “mostly with us” and expresses hope US efforts, including Trump’s influence, may change New Delhi’s approach to Russian energy.

Zelenskyy: India 'Mostly With Us', Hopes Trump Can Shift Energy Stance

Zelenskyy Sees India Aligning with Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says India is &ldquo;mostly with us&rdquo; and expresses hope US efforts, including Trump&rsquo;s influence, may change New Delhi&rsquo;s approach to Russian energy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said India is &ldquo;mostly with us&rdquo; and expressed hope that New Delhi will change its attitude to the Russian energy sector with US President Donald Trump's intervention.
Zelenskyy was answering a question during an interview with Fox News about China and India contributing to Russia's war against Ukraine.
The US has often blamed India and China for purchasing Russian, which President Trump has claimed funds Moscow's war against Ukraine.
&ldquo;I think India mostly with us. Yes, we have these questions with energy, but I think that President Trump can manage it with Europeans, make more close and strong relations with India,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said.
&ldquo;And I think, we have to do everything not to withdraw Indians and they will change their attitude to the Russian energy sector,&rdquo; the Ukrainian president said.
He was answering a specific question by a Fox News interviewer: &ldquo;China, India, they're all contributing here; European nations, the President said, need to get off oil, but need to do it with the US. Do you think that that is going to happen?&rdquo; &ldquo;I'm sure with China, its more difficult because it's not for today. It's not in the interest to not support Russia,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said.
He also said, &ldquo;I think Iran will never be on our side, because we'll never be on the side of the United States.&rdquo; Zelensky, in his address at the UN Security Council, said: &ldquo;China is here &ndash; a powerful nation on which Russia now depends completely.&rdquo; &ldquo;If China truly wanted this war to stop, it could compel Moscow to end the invasion. Without China, Putin's Russia is nothing. Yet too often, China stays silent and distant, instead of active for peace,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said.
India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A major Russian strike hit Kyiv overnight, killing three people, including a 14-year-old, and injuring 12 others, officials said.

'Massive' Russian strikes on Kyiv kill at least 3

A major Russian strike hit Kyiv overnight, killing three people, including a 14-year-old, and injuring 12 others, officials said.

A "massive" Russian attack on Kyiv on Thursday killed at least three people and wounded a dozen others, officials in the Ukrainian capital said.
Powerful explosions rocked the city overnight, illuminating the sky and leaving behind a column of smoke, AFP journalists saw.
The city's military administration said three people had been confirmed dead and 12 wounded, with "significant damage" to residential buildings. One of those killed was a 14-year-old, according to the administration's head Tymur Tkachenko.
The attack comes as Moscow and Kyiv trade blame over an impasse in diplomatic efforts towards a peace deal which have been spearheaded by US President Donald Trump.
An AFP journalist in Kyiv saw red tracer bullets sailing through the night sky in an effort to intercept drones above the city centre. At least one missile appeared to be shot down.
Around 100 people took refuge in a subway station, with some lying in sleeping bags and others holding their pets.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko described Russia's latest strikes as a "massive attack" which caused damage in five districts of the capital.
A five-storey building in the Darnytsky district had collapsed, the mayor reported.
Kyiv suffered one of its worst attacks of the over three-year war on July 31, leaving more than 30 people dead including five children.
Russian forces have been slowly but steadily gaining ground in Ukraine in recent months, as diplomatic efforts have accelerated.
Trump held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this month, followed by a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies.
But there has been little progress since then.
Before concluding any peace agreement, Ukraine wants security guarantees from the West to deter any future Russian attacks.
Moscow has cast Kyiv's demands as unrealistic and has raised particular objection to the notion of stationing Western peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.
Zelensky said on Wednesday that members of his administration would meet with US officials in New York on Friday.
The Ukrainian leader said he saw "very arrogant and negative signals from Moscow regarding the negotiations", urging extra "pressure" to "force Russia to take real steps".

Trump faces difficulties in Ukraine peace efforts amid tensions with Zelenskyy and distrust of Putin. The upcoming Alaska summit could be crucial as Russian assaults intensify.

Tensions Rise as Trump Struggles to Broker Ukraine Peace

President Trump faces obstacles in resolving the Ukraine conflict. With tensions rising between Trump, Zelenskyy, and distrust of Putin, the Alaska summit is pivotal. Conflict intensifies as Russian aggression continues.

Trump's Peace Efforts in Ukraine Face Hurdles

President Trump's campaign promise to resolve the Ukraine conflict faces major hurdles, marked by tensions with Zelenskyy and growing distrust of Putin. The upcoming Alaska summit might prove pivotal in these efforts amid intensifying Russian assaults.

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Washington, Aug 13 (AP) US President Donald Trump, who made the bold claim during his reelection campaign that he could resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours, has faced numerous challenges since taking office on January 20. His attempts to broker peace among Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, have proven difficult amidst shifting political dynamics.
A highly anticipated summit between Trump and Putin, scheduled for Friday in Alaska, might prove instrumental in efforts to end the 3.5-year-old conflict.
"At the end of that meeting, probably the first two minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made," Trump stated on Monday. Trump's approach to Zelenskyy and Putin has notably shifted over the course of this year.
Initially, during Trump&rsquo;s second term, his tone towards Putin was accommodating, reflecting the admiration he has often expressed for the Russian leader. Nevertheless, as Putin refused to accept an unconditional truce proposed by Trump, Trump's frustration with Putin's stance on US peace initiatives has grown, criticizing the Russian leader for exacerbating the war.
Until recently, Trump suggested Russia was more inclined toward a resolution than Ukraine. However, after a heated exchange with Zelenskyy in February, Trump&rsquo;s attitude seemed to mellow, which led to his promise to supply Ukraine with Patriot air defense missiles through a NATO-coordinated deal.
The war continues to escalate, with Russia's larger forces maintaining pressure along the 1,000-kilometer front line, costing thousands of lives on both sides. The UN reported that June marked the deadliest month in the past three years for Ukrainian civilians, with 232 fatalities and 1,343 injuries.
A look at Trump&rsquo;s statements during his second term: On January 31, Trump asserted, &ldquo;We want to end that war. That war would have not started if I was president.&rdquo; He emphasized that his administration had engaged in "very serious" discussions with Russia and suggested significant measures towards ending the conflict could be taken soon with Putin.
In a controversial February 19 post, Trump criticized Zelenskyy on his Truth Social platform, referring to him as &ldquo;A Dictator without Elections,&rdquo; prompting backlash from across the US political spectrum.
On February 28, Trump and Vice President JD Vance reprimanded Zelenskyy for his lack of appreciation towards the US&rsquo;s support after he confronted Vance on diplomatic efforts with Putin. The disagreement culminated in a suspension of Ukraine&rsquo;s military aid as Trump urged Zelenskyy to pursue peace.
By March 30, Trump maintained his trust in Putin&rsquo;s commitment to potential peace deals. However, his trust began to wane as Russian assaults on Ukraine intensified. On April 24, he publicly urged Putin to cease missile strikes on Kyiv via a Truth Social post.
On April 29, Trump expressed empathy for the losses sustained by Ukrainians. This came after a meeting with Zelenskyy at a global summit, reflecting a change in demeanour.
Trump's perception of Putin further deteriorated on May 25 when he remarked via Truth Social, &ldquo;I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!&rdquo;
During a closed NATO summit meeting on June 25, Trump&rsquo;s softened rhetoric towards Zelenskyy persisted, and there was talk of sending advanced defense systems to Ukraine.
On July 8, Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with Putin&rsquo;s misleading assurances, warning that Moscow&rsquo;s ongoing conflict was claiming many lives. This led to a commitment to bolster weapon supplies to Ukraine despite previous pauses due to depleted US military reserves.
July brought more discontent: on the 13th, Trump publicly criticized Putin for breaking past assurances and launching nighttime bombings. The following day, Trump promised heightened economic pressure on Russia if peace talks floundered within 50 days.
Despite improved relations with Zelenskyy, Trump&rsquo;s rebuke of the Ukrainian leader remained on August 11, dismissing the idea of Zelenskyy attending the upcoming meeting with Putin. Trump challenged Zelenskyy&rsquo;s reluctance to negotiate territorial concessions, despite having resorted to war.
Trump noted, &ldquo;I was a little bothered by the fact that Zelenskyy was saying, Well, I have to get &ldquo;constitutional approval.&rdquo; I mean, he's got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap?&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;I thought it was very respectful that the president of Russia is coming to our country as opposed to us going to his country or even a third-party place.&rdquo; (AP) NPK NPK
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(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The Russian airstrike on Ukraine's Bilenkivska Correctional Colony killed at least 17 and injured over 80, causing significant infrastructure damage. Ukrainian officials have condemned the attack, calling it a war crime under international law.

Russian Airstrike on Ukrainian Prison Kills 17, Injures 80

A deadly airstrike by Russia targeted Ukraine's Bilenkivska Correctional Colony, resulting in 17 inmate deaths and over 80 injuries. Ukrainian authorities label this attack on civilian infrastructure as a war crime under international conventions.

Russian Airstrike on Ukrainian Prison Kills 17

A Russian airstrike on Ukraine's Bilenkivska Correctional Colony killed 17 and injured more than 80, damaging buildings but leaving fences intact; authorities cite war crimes under conventions.

A Russian airstrike on a prison in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region has resulted in the death of at least 17 inmates and injured over 80 others, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The late Monday attack targeted the Bilenkivska Correctional Colony using four guided aerial bombs, as reported by the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine.
At least 42 inmates sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized, while another 40 individuals, including one staff member, suffered various injuries.
The strike led to the destruction of the prison's dining hall and caused damage to administrative and quarantine buildings. However, the perimeter fence remained intact, and authorities confirmed there were no escapes.
Ukrainian officials have strongly condemned the attack, asserting that targeting civilian infrastructure, such as prisons, constitutes a war crime under international conventions.
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(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Ukraine effectively resists Russia's summer offensive. Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for Western support, domestic protests on anti-corruption laws, and challenges remaining as the conflict continues.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine Resists Russia's Offensive Amid Challenges

Zelenskyy reports Ukraine's effective resistance against Russia's summer offensive, the need for more Western support, and engagement in domestic anti-corruption protests as challenges persist.

Ukraine repels raids as Russia pushes east

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reports strong defense against Russia's summer offensive. Ukraine seeks more Western support and is dealing with domestic protests against amended anti-corruption laws.

Ukrainian forces are successfully resisting Russia's determined summer offensive to breach defenses along the front line, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
&ldquo;They are not making progress. It's extremely challenging for our troops. And it's challenging everywhere,&rdquo; Zelenskyy informed reporters on Thursday, with the comments embargoed until Friday. &ldquo;It's also very difficult for the Russians - and that's advantageous for us.&rdquo;
As the conflict stretches into its fourth year following Russia's February 2022 invasion, resources are being depleted on both sides, although Russia has more capacity and manpower to persist. Ukraine is appealing for more support from Western allies.
While Russia has claimed the capture of some villages recently, no major urban strongholds have succumbed to its advances.
Russian sabotage and reconnaissance teams have attempted minor raids near Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region to capture symbolic footage, like raising a Russian flag, but Ukrainian forces have effectively fended off these attempts, Zelenskyy reported.
&ldquo;There have been five to seven such instances, sometimes with as few as two or six troops. One time they tried to hold a position with 12, but all were neutralized by our defenders,&rdquo; Zelenskyy commented.
He noted improvements in the northeastern Sumy border region, with progress by Ukrainian forces over the past six weeks.
In light of heightened Russian bombardment on Ukrainian cities&mdash;Kharkiv being hit by a powerful glide bomb for the second consecutive day, injuring seven people&mdash;Ukraine is endeavoring to secure 10 US-manufactured Patriot air defense systems. Three have been confirmed from Germany and Norway, according to Zelenskyy.
The systems are crucial for intercepting missiles, although each comes with a significant price tag exceeding USD 1 billion. The administration under former U.S. President Trump has agreed to sell these systems, but Ukraine still needs to secure funding for all ten and is seeking a license to manufacture Patriots independently.
The possibility of a summit meeting between Russia and Ukraine remains bleak, despite Kremlin officials discussing a potential leaders' summit. Zelenskyy remarked, &ldquo;To end the war, there must be a meeting of leaders. There's no alternative with (the Russians).&rdquo;
However, the Kremlin opposes high-level talks before a detailed peace agreement is brokered. &ldquo;A high-level meeting should conclude the settlement and formalize the modalities and agreements that experts are yet to develop,&rdquo; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated. &ldquo;It has to be done in this sequence.&rdquo;
On the domestic front, Zelenskyy acknowledged the legitimacy of public protests against recent amendments to Ukraine's anti-corruption law. These changes, which endangered the independence of anti-corruption agencies, sparked criticism from the European Union and international rights groups, leading Zelenskyy to propose legislation to re-establish the autonomy of these watchdogs.
&ldquo;It's vital that society expresses itself. I value societal opinion,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said. &ldquo;Society requested changes, and we responded.&rdquo; The demonstrations persisted for a third day on Thursday but saw fewer participants.
Zelenskyy emphasized that these agencies must remain &ldquo;genuinely independent&rdquo; and underscored, &ldquo;The unity of our nation is crucial, especially during this war. Maintaining our cohesion is critical.&rdquo; He cautioned that failure by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, to pass the new bill could escalate protests. However, Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the bill's approval in the vote scheduled for July 31.
&ldquo;The bill's existence is what's critical. It has been filed. I'm confident it will secure enough votes. I desire that outcome,&rdquo; he stated. (AP) SKS NPK NPK
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(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The EU introduces a hefty sanctions package against Russia, cutting the oil price cap and targeting Nord Stream pipelines to pressure Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict.

EU targets Russia's energy revenue, shadow fleet with new sanctions over war on Ukraine

The European Union announces severe sanctions against Russia, lowering the oil price cap, and banning Nord Stream pipeline transactions to pressure Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

The EU announced new sanctions against Russia, including reducing the oil price cap and banning Nord Stream transactions, to pressure Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

The European Union approved on Friday a new raft of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine, including a lower oil price cap, a ban on transactions with Nord Stream gas pipelines, and the targeting of more shadow fleet ships, the EU foreign policy chief said.
&ldquo;The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war,&rdquo; Kaja Kallas said in a statement.
Kallas said the measures amount to &ldquo;one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date&rdquo; linked to the war, now in its fourth year. It comes as European countries start to buy US weapons for Ukraine to help the country better defend itself.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the new measures, describing them as a &ldquo;timely and necessary&rdquo; step amid intensified Russian attacks.
&ldquo;All infrastructure of Russia's war must be blocked,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine will synchronise its sanctions with the EU and introduce its own additional measures soon.
The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, had proposed to lower the oil price cap from $60 to $45, which is lower than the market price to target Russia's vast energy revenues. The 27 member countries decided to set the price per barrel at just under $48.
The EU had hoped to get major international powers in the Group of Seven countries involved in the price cap to broaden the impact, but conflict in the Middle East pushed up oil prices and the Trump administration could not be brought onboard.
In 2023, Ukraine's Western allies limited sales of Russian oil to $60 per barrel but the price cap was largely symbolic as most of Moscow's crude &mdash; its main moneymaker &mdash; cost less than that. Still, the cap was there in case oil prices rose.
Oil income is the linchpin of Russia's economy, allowing President Vladimir Putin to pour money into the armed forces without worsening inflation for everyday people and avoiding a currency collapse.
A new import ban was also imposed in an attempt to close a loophole allowing Russia to indirectly export crude oil via a number of non-EU countries.
The EU also targeted the Nord Stream pipelines between Russia and Germany to prevent Putin from generating any revenue from them in future, notably by discouraging would-be investors. Russian energy giant Rosneft's refinery in India was hit as well.
The pipelines were built to carry Russian natural gas to Germany but are not in operation. They were targeted by sabotage in 2022, but the source of the underwater explosions has remained a major international mystery.
On top of that, the new EU sanctions targeted Russia's banking sector, with the aim of limiting the Kremlin's ability to raise funds or carry out financial transactions. Two Chinese banks were added to the list.
The EU has slapped several rounds of sanctions on Russia since Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine in February 24, 2022.
More than 2,400 officials and &ldquo;entities&rdquo; &mdash; often government agencies, banks, companies or organisations &mdash; have been hit with asset freezes and travel bans.
But each round of sanctions is getting harder to agree, as measures targeting Russia bite the economies of the 27 member nations. Slovakia held up the latest package over concerns about proposals to stop Russian gas supplies, which it relies on.
The last raft of EU sanctions, imposed on May 20, targeted almost 200 ships in Russia's sanction-busting shadow fleet of tankers. On Friday, 105 more ships were blocked from European ports, locks and from ship-to-ship transfers, bringing the total number of vessels now sanctioned to more than 400.

Ukraine appoints Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko as new prime minister in its first leadership change since Russia’s 2022 invasion, as Zelenskyy reshuffles the Cabinet to boost morale and defense production.

Yuliia Svyrydenko Becomes Ukraine's Prime Minister Amid Cabinet Reshuffle

Yuliia Svyrydenko: Ukraine's New Prime Minister

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Ukraine appoints Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko as new prime minister in its first leadership change since Russia&rsquo;s 2022 invasion, as Zelenskyy reshuffles the Cabinet to boost morale and defense production.
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Ukraine's economy minister and the key negotiator in the mineral deal with the US, Yuliia Svyrydenko, has been appointed as new prime minister, becoming its first new head of government since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Svyrydenko is one of a group of officials taking on new roles in Ukraine's government, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffles the Cabinet in a bid to energize a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production in the face of Russia's grinding invasion.
At home, however, the Cabinet recalibration has not been seen as a major shift, as the Ukrainian leader continues to rely on officials who have proven their effectiveness and loyalty during the war, now in its fourth year.

Ukraine's drone assault on Russian airfields demonstrates advanced military tactics and bolsters negotiating leverage.

Ukraine Drone Offensive Shifts War Dynamics

A surprise drone attack by Ukraine on Russian airfields showcases tactical prowess and shifts negotiation dynamics.

Ukraine's drone attack on Russian airfields alters the conflict narrative, showcasing self-reliance and tactical strength.

Shortly after Ukraine's surprise drone attack on Russian airfields, the Business Ukraine magazine posted on X: "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy = King of Drones. Who 'doesn't have any cards' now?" The post accompanied a drawing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a king on a card. Zelenskyy was seen holding swords, and several drones were drawn on the card.
The message was unmissable. In March this year, during a dramatic face-off in the Oval Office in Washington, DC, US President Donald Trump told Zelenskyy, "You don't have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don't have any cards." Two months later, Kyiv has pulled off a drone attack that has taken the mighty Russian establishment by surprise. While the scale of damage is yet to be confirmed, the sheer audacity of the attack speaks volumes and pushes Ukraine ahead in the war of perception.
Interestingly, in a post on X after the drone strikes, Zelenskyy referred to the operation -- which Ukraine has referred to as Operation Spider Web -- as having achieved an "absolutely brilliant result". Six words that followed were significant: "a result achieved solely by Ukraine". The message was aimed at Washington DC, after Trump emphasised in the March meeting that Ukraine had no chance against Russia without US support.
Operation Spider Web
Kyiv has shocked Moscow -- and the world -- by targeting military installations deep inside Russian territory in what it described as its "most long range operation". According to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), its drones struck at least 41 aircraft used to "bomb Ukrainian cities". These include Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers and the A-50 radar detection and command aircraft. Moscow has not given out numbers indicating the scale of damage, but confirmed that its airfields in Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were targeted using first-person-view (FPV) drones. It also said several aircraft "caught fire" in the offensive.
The planning for the drone offensive was immaculate. Drones were smuggled into Russia over 18 months. They were hidden in trucks parked near Russian airbases. At the time of the attack, the roofs of wooden cabins on these trucks opened remotely and the drones launched towards the targets.
The Timing Of Ukraine's Offensive
The timing of Ukraine carrying out these attacks is significant. Russian and Ukrainian officials will be meeting in Istanbul today to discuss plans to end the three-year war, Europe's largest conflict since World War II. The timing of the drone attack suggests that Ukraine would try to leverage more during the talks, having demonstrated its striking capabilities.
In his remarks after the attack, Zelenskyy said Ukraine continues to propose a full and unconditional ceasefire, along with all rational and dignified steps that could lead to a lasting and reliable peace. "The Ukrainian proposal we presented to the Russians is logical and realistic. The Russians, however, have not shared their 'memorandum' with anyone - we don't have it, the Turkish side doesn't have it, and the American side doesn't have the Russian document either. Despite this, we will try to achieve at least some progress on the path toward peace," he said.

Ukrainian President Zelensky criticizes Russia for escalating attacks, citing impunity. He calls for tougher sanctions to counter aggression.

Zelensky Calls for Sanctions Amid Russian Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemns Russia's escalation of attacks, urging international allies to impose stronger sanctions in response to their perceived impunity, aiming to deter Moscow's aggression.

Ukrainian President Zelensky condemns Russia's increased attacks, urging stronger sanctions to deter their impunity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday said that Russia was acting out of a "sense of total impunity" after three days of huge strikes on Ukraine, calling on Kyiv's allies to increase sanctions on Moscow.
"Only a sense of total impunity can allow Russia to carry out such strikes and continue increasing their scale," Zelensky said on social media, adding, "The increase in Russian strikes should be met with increased sanctions."

Trump criticizes Putin after deadly drone strikes in Ukraine amid prisoner exchanges. Ukraine seeks global sanctions against Russia. Tensions rise.

Trump Condemns Putin as Russia Strikes Ukraine

In a rare critique, Trump calls Putin 'crazy' after drone strikes in Ukraine. Amidst increasing hostilities, the largest prisoner swap since 2022 is completed.

Trump condemns Putin amid Ukraine drone strikes causing 13 deaths. A record prisoner exchange occurs, while Ukraine urges global sanctions to curb Russian aggression.

US President Donald Trump called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "crazy" on Sunday after Moscow launched a deadly barrage of drones against Ukraine, even as the warring countries completed a large-scale prisoner exchange.
At least 13 people were killed when Russia launched a record number of drones against Ukraine overnight to Sunday.
"I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
"I've always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that's proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!" he added.
His comments marked a rare rebuke to Putin, who he often speaks of with admiration. The US leader has, however, expressed increasing frustration with Moscow's position in deadlocked truce negotiations with Kyiv.
Earlier Sunday, Trump told reporters he was "not happy" about the latest attack on Ukraine and that he was "absolutely" considering increasing sanctions on Moscow.
"I've known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all," he said.
 - 'Terror' -
Ukraine's emergency services described Sunday an atmosphere of "terror" in the country after a second straight night of massive Russian air strikes, including on the capital Kyiv.
Those killed in the latest Russian strikes included victims aged eight, 12 and 17 in the northwestern region of Zhytomyr, officials said.
"Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media.
"The silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourages Putin," he said, adding: "Sanctions will certainly help."
In his social media post, Trump also criticized Zelensky, a frequent target of his ire, accusing him of "doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does."
"Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don't like it, and it better stop," he said.
The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, also called for "the strongest international pressure on Russia to stop this war."
"Last night's attacks again show Russia bent on more suffering and the annihilation of Ukraine," she said on social media.
 - Call for sanctions -
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also denounced the attacks.
"Putin does not want peace, he wants to carry on the war and we shouldn't allow him to do this," he said. "For this reason we will approve further sanctions at a European level."
Ukraine's military said on Sunday it had shot down a total of 45 Russian missiles and 266 attack drones overnight.
Air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said 298 drones were launched, adding that this was "the highest number ever."
Four people were reported killed in Ukraine's western Khmelnytskyi region, and four in the Kyiv region.
Two people were killed in the southern Mykolaiv region.
"We saw the whole street was on fire," a 65-year-old retired woman, Tetiana Iankovska, told AFP in Markhalivka village just southwest of Kyiv.
Russia said its strikes were aimed at Ukraine's "military-industrial complex" and that it had brought down 110 Ukrainian drones.
The previous night, Russia had launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones, wounding 15 people, according to Ukrainian officials.
Flights at Moscow airports suffered temporary closures due to Ukrainian drone activity on Sunday but no injuries were reported, officials said.
Ukrainian officials also reported Russian strikes overnight to Monday, but not on the same scale.
Two people were injured and a house was destroyed in the Zaporizhzhia region when "the enemy struck the village of Yurkivka", Ivan Fedorov, the governor of the region, said in a Telegram post.
 - Major prisoner exchange -
The massive strikes on Ukraine came as Russia said it had exchanged another 303 Ukrainian prisoners of war for the same number of Russian soldiers held by Kyiv -- the last phase of a swap agreed during talks in Istanbul on May 16.
That marked their biggest prisoner swap since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, with 1,000 captured soldiers and civilian prisoners in total sent back by each side.
Zelensky confirmed the swap was complete.
An AFP reporter saw some of the formerly captive Ukrainian soldiers arrive at a hospital in the northern Chernigiv region, emaciated but smiling and waving to crowds.
One former captive, 58-year-old Viktor Syvak, told AFP he was overcome by the emotional homecoming.
Captured in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, he had been held for 37 months and 12 days.
"It's impossible to describe. I can't put it into words," he said of the release.

Ukraine's drone attack led to temporary closures of Moscow airports. 19 drones were intercepted, preventing casualties. An apartment is reported hit, though no Ukrainian comment. Tensions rise as anniversary events near.

Ukraine Drone Attack Shuts Moscow Airports

An overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow led to temporary airport closures, with 19 drones intercepted. Despite official denials, reports suggest a drone hit an apartment. Ukraine justifies attacks on Russia's military infrastructure.

Moscow airports shut again after drone strikes

Ukraine launched an overnight drone attack on Moscow, briefly closing its airports. 19 drones were intercepted with no casualties. Reports suggest a drone struck an apartment. Kyiv has not commented yet.

In a continuous escalation of hostilities, Ukraine launched a second consecutive overnight drone attack on Moscow, leading to the temporary closure of all airports within Russia's capital, according to local officials. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that at least 19 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed as they approached from multiple directions, averting major damage or casualties.
In response to the threat, Russia&rsquo;s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, announced the suspension of flights at all four airports serving Moscow for several hours overnight to maintain air safety. Additional airport closures were reported in various regional cities.
Despite Moscow's official denials of casualties or significant destruction, three prominent Telegram channels linked to Russian security services&mdash;Bazaar, Mash, and Shot&mdash;reported a drone had hit an apartment building in southern Moscow, shattering windows along a major thoroughfare. There have been no verified reports of injuries.
Ukraine has yet to officially comment on these incidents. Meanwhile, a CNN report highlighted ongoing Russian drone strikes in Ukraine's Kharkiv and Kyiv regions, citing the governor of Ukraine's Odesa region, Oleh Kiper, who reported one fatality from such an attack.
These drone offensives on Moscow occur as the city prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously declared a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 to honor the event. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the measure, suggesting an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, aligning with a U.S.-backed proposal from March.
This marks the second consecutive night Russia has claimed Ukrainian drone attacks. On Monday, Russia&rsquo;s defense ministry reported the destruction of 26 Ukrainian drones. Since the commencement of the conflict over three years ago, Kyiv has mounted several drone offensives on Moscow, the most significant in March resulting in three fatalities.
Meanwhile, in Russia's southwest Voronezh region, bordering Ukraine, the local governor noted the destruction of 18 drones, which led to minor damage to a non-residential building and a children&rsquo;s playground. Over the southern Pena region, Russian air defenses destroyed 10 additional drones, with no reported injuries or damage, according to a regional Telegram update.
The complete impact of the recent wave of drone attacks on Moscow and the wider Russian territory remains uncertain, with no immediate response from Kyiv regarding the latest developments. Ukraine justifies its drone campaigns as targeting infrastructure critical to Russian military operations and countering ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian residential areas and essential energy facilities.

A Kremlin advisor criticized a US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, calling it temporary and inadequate. The proposal aims to halt a three-year conflict.

Kremlin Rebukes US-Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal

A Kremlin advisor condemned the US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, arguing it offers only a temporary solution without addressing Russia’s legitimate interests.

Ceasefire helps Ukraine, Putin aide criticises

A top Kremlin aide dismissed a US-proposed US-Ukraine ceasefire as temporary and superficial, stressing unmet Russian interests.

In a statement released Friday, a key aide to the Kremlin criticized the proposed ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting it would merely serve as a temporary reprieve for Ukrainian forces.
Yuri Ushakov, speaking to state media following a phone conversation with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, dismissed the initiative as inadequate.
According to Ushakov, the ceasefire would only function as a "temporary breather for the Ukrainian military."
He indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to provide a more detailed response to the proposal on Thursday.
Ushakov emphasized Russia's pursuit of a "long-term peaceful solution" that accommodates its "legitimate interests."
He noted that any measures perceived as superficial peace efforts were unnecessary under the current circumstances.
The remarks came in response to US negotiators' visit to Russia on Thursday, where they presented a plan advocating for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
The proposal is part of Washington's efforts to secure an "unconditional" halt to the three-year conflict, which continues to strain international relations.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth advocates a Europe-led approach to Ukraine and highlights a U.S. focus shift towards domestic priorities and China.

Pete Hegseth Urges Europe to Lead in Ukraine Defense

U.S. defense shift: allies must lead in Ukraine defense

Defense Secretary Hegseth shifts focus to Europe for Ukraine, advocating 5% GDP defense spending by NATO members.

Newly appointed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made waves on his inaugural international trip by signaling a strategic pivot in U.S. defense priorities, telling European allies that they must take the lead in defending Ukraine.
During a meeting with defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth emphasized that Europe should bear the "overwhelming share" of military aid to Kyiv and pointed to the impracticality of restoring Ukraine&rsquo;s pre-2014 borders.
Hegseth candidly and unambigously expressed that the "stark strategic realities" prevent the U.S. from remaining primarily focused on European security. Despite softening this message from an earlier press brief that suggested a recasting of NATO&rsquo;s 75-year role, the remarks signaled a shift towards addressing domestic needs and countering China's growing influence.
Addressing the Ukraine contact group of defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth urged European NATO members to increase defense budgets to 5% of GDP to bolster continental defense capabilities. He posited that Europe must supply the bulk of both lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine moving forward, though he clarified that the U.S. would not completely halt its critical military support aiding Kyiv against Russian aggression.
Echoing former President Trump&rsquo;s stance, Hegseth stressed the importance of "stopping the fighting and achieving enduring peace" in Ukraine, asserting that reclaiming Ukraine&rsquo;s pre-2014 borders is a "realistic goal." While this implies a tacit acknowledgment of Crimea&rsquo;s annexation and Russia&rsquo;s hold on parts of Donbas, Hegseth emphasized peace through "robust security guarantees," though addition of NATO membership was not on the table for Ukraine.
Addressing concerns over a potential troop presence in Ukraine post-ceasefire, Hegseth clarified that any deployment of British or European forces would not be part of a NATO mission nor protected under the alliance&rsquo;s Article 5 guarantee, which obligates members to defend each other against attacks.
Despite outlining a prospective pathway to peace, experts remain skeptical about tangible diplomatic headway as Russia maintains its territorial ambitions and demands demilitarization. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a recent interview, argued that effective security guarantees to Kyiv necessitate U.S. involvement, warning that European assurances fall short.
Zelenskyy suggested a multinational force of up to 150,000 troops in Ukraine post-ceasefire, vastly outnumbered by Russia&rsquo;s 600,000-strong presence. However, recruitment challenges across European militaries cast doubt on assembling such a force without American participation.
Departing from prepared remarks, Hegseth praised Poland for dedicating 5% of its GDP to defense, urging other allies to follow suit. The shift in focus, Hegseth asserted, results from escalating threats to U.S. homeland security, with growing tensions at the border and the rise of China as a "peer competitor" challenging U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Hegseth&rsquo;s stance resonates with President Biden&rsquo;s calls for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its security, stopping short of signaling a withdrawal from NATO&rsquo;s Article 5 commitments, the cornerstone of allied defense. While only invoked once, following the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., Article 5 remains a critical tenet of transatlantic security arrangements.

Armen Ataine faces arrest in Mumbai for a ₹57 crore scam, using Ponzi and MLM schemes. Authorities discovered his attempt to fake Indian nationality. This marks the sixth arrest in the fraud investigation.

 Ukrainian actor Armen Ataine used fake birth certificate in Torres Scam: Mumbai Police

Mumbai Police arrest Ukrainian actor Armen Ataine linked to the Torres investment scam involving ₹57 crore. His fake Indian nationality was uncovered, marking the sixth arrest in the ongoing investigation.

Armen Ataine, a Ukrainian actor, was arrested in Mumbai for his involvement in the ₹57 crore Torres investment scam. Authorities unmasked his fake Indian identity. The arrest is part of a larger crackdown on deceitful investment schemes.

Mumbai Police revealed that Ukrainian actor Armen Ataine, arrested in the multi-crore Torres investment scam, used a forged birth certificate and falsely claimed to be an Indian national.
Ataine, arrested last week, was remanded to 14-day judicial custody on Monday after his police custody ended. Officials said they might seek further remand if necessary.
During questioning, Ataine presented an Aadhaar card, driving license, and other documents to support his claim of Indian nationality. However, verification with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation&rsquo;s F Ward revealed his birth certificate was forged.
The Torres jewellery scam, a Ponzi and multi-level marketing (MLM) fraud, has defrauded over 10,800 investors of ₹57 crore. Six arrests have been made so far in connection with the case.
As investigations continue, authorities are cracking down on fraudulent investment schemes that lured investors with promises of high returns.

The Ukrainian Embassy in India commemorated Unity Day by forming a symbolic "Chain of Unity," reflecting the spirit of the historic 1990 unification. 

Ukrainian Embassy in India marks 'Unity Day', forms the symbolic 'Chain of Unity'

The Ukrainian Embassy in India commemorated Unity Day by forming a symbolic "Chain of Unity," reflecting the spirit of the historic 1990 unification.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian Embassy in India observed the "Chain of Unity" on Wednesday, commemorating a historic moment of national solidarity.&nbsp;
The embassy team, joined by members of the Ukrainian community in India, formed a symbolic "Chain of Unity" to honour the spirit of the original event held on January 21, 1990. On that day, millions of Ukrainians joined hands from Kyiv to Lviv to demonstrate their unyielding resolve and commitment to unity.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇺🇦 For the 3rd consecutive year, Ukraine celebrates Unity Day amidst a full-scale war. Our greatest strength remains our unity as we resist Russian aggression and fight for independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. <a href="https://t.co/taTXvsEgQM">pic.twitter.com/taTXvsEgQM</a>
&mdash; UKR Embassy in India (@UkrembInd) <a href="https://twitter.com/UkrembInd/status/1881978941856182369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Unity has always been a cornerstone of Ukrainian statehood, and history shows we have triumphed when standing together," the embassy said in its statement.&nbsp;
"The embassy team together with the Ukrainian community in India formed a symbolic 'Chain of Unity' to honour this historic occasion. This gesture reflects the spirit of the 'Chain of Unity' formed on January 21, 1990, when millions of Ukrainians joined hands from Kyiv to Lviv, demonstrating the unbreakable resolve of our people."
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790cb60cade5_1737542496.jpg" width="478" height="545">
The embassy highlighted the relevance of this act in the current context, stating, "Today, as we defend Ukraine from Russian aggression, we honour the memory of the defenders who gave their lives for freedom and unity. We thank every person safeguarding our country and call on the global Ukrainian community to remain united and work together to restore peace and justice. Together, with our collective efforts, the voice of Ukraine will continue to resonate powerfully across the world."
This year marks the third consecutive Unity Day celebrated amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The embassy emphasized that unity remains Ukraine&rsquo;s greatest strength in "resisting Russian aggression and fighting for independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790cb7610774_1737542518.jpg" width="480" height="640">
Reflecting on the historical significance, the embassy stated, "On January 22, we mark the 106th anniversary of the Act of Unification, when the Ukrainian People's Republic and the Western Ukrainian People's Republic came together, laying the foundation for a united Ukrainian state. The Unification Act, signed in St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, symbolized the fulfillment of the Ukrainian nation's long-standing aspiration for unity and independence."
In a post shared on X, the Ukrainian Embassy reiterated, "Signed at St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, the Unification Act symbolized the fulfillment of Ukraine's long-standing dream of unity and independence&mdash;a cornerstone of our statehood."
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790cb891e2ed_1737542537.jpg" width="463" height="617">
The embassy concluded by urging the global Ukrainian community to stay united, stating, "Together, we will restore peace, justice, and ensure the voice of Ukraine resonates loudly across the world."

Ukrainian authorities warn of incoming cruise missiles targeting Kyiv, Kryvyi Rig, and other regions after Ukraine’s largest aerial strike on Russian territory.

Ukraine issues nationwide air alert, warns of inbound cruise missiles

Ukrainian authorities warn of incoming cruise missiles targeting Kyiv, Kryvyi Rig, and other regions after Ukraine&rsquo;s largest aerial strike on Russian territory.

Ukrainian authorities issued air raid alerts for the entire country Wednesday, as Kyiv's air force warned of incoming cruise missiles.
"Kryvyi Rig -- take cover! A missile from the south is heading in your direction!" Ukraine's air force said in a post on Telegram, referring to central Ukrainian city.
It also warned of missiles headed towards the northern Chernigiv region, central Poltava region, and southern Mykolaiv region.
A "group of cruise missiles" was also headed in the direction of the capital Kyiv, it said.
The warnings come a day after Ukraine said it carried out its largest aerial attack on Russian territory of the nearly three-year war, hitting factories and energy hubs hundreds of kilometres from the frontline.
The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US- and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would "not go unanswered".

Ukraine's forces launched a counterattack in Russia's Kursk region, marking a critical escalation in the nearly three-year conflict. 

Russia says Ukraine launches 'counterattack' in Kursk region

Ukraine's forces launched a counterattack in Russia's Kursk region, marking a critical escalation in the nearly three-year conflict.&nbsp;

Russia said Sunday that Ukraine had launched a "counterattack" in the western border region of Kursk, where Kyiv's forces began a shock ground offensive last August.
It was not immediately clear how much Ukraine had advanced in the region, but pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported earlier that a powerful new offensive was under way.
The assault comes at a critical juncture in the nearly three-year conflict, with both sides seeking to strengthen their negotiating hand ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House on January 20.
"At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), in order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack," the Russian defence ministry said.
The Ukrainian army did not comment on the operation, simply saying in its daily report that fighting was under way in the Kursk region without elaborating.
Ukraine used two tanks, a dozen armoured vehicles and a demolition unit in the assault, which was directed towards the village of Berdin -- about 15 kilometres (nine miles) northeast of Sudzha, Moscow said.
"The operation to destroy the Ukrainian army formations continues," it added.
Pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged the Russian army had come under pressure but said Moscow was fighting back.
"The main events of the next attempted offensive by the Ukrainian army are clearly still ahead of us," influential pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar said.
Images purportedly showing a column of Ukrainian armoured vehicles driving through the snow were shared by pro-Russia military blogger Dva Mayora on Telegram.
&nbsp;
- Attack 'from several directions' -
Ukrainian officials gave little detail on the new offensive, with a prominent lawmaker urging silence.
"I can't understand why it is necessary to officially report on the Kursk region. Maybe better to do it afterwards when the operation is over?" Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko said.
Other officials expressed their glee at the operation, which comes almost three years since Moscow launched its full-scale military assault on Ukraine.
"Russia is getting what it deserves," Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said.
The head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, said on Telegram that defence forces were "working" in the area, without elaborating.
"In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, and it was a surprise for them," he said.
Kyiv seized dozens of villages in the Kursk region shortly after its incursion started on August 6, 2024, but its advances stalled after Moscow rushed reinforcements to the area, including thousands of troops from its ally North Korea.
A Ukrainian army source told AFP last November that Kyiv still controlled 800 square kilometres (around 300 square miles) of the Russian border region, down from previous claims it controlled almost 1,400 square kilometres.
&nbsp;
- Zelensky on Trump -
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last year the Kursk operation has boosted Kyiv's "exchange fund" -- its negotiating position on swapping prisoners of war -- and diverted tens of thousands of Russian troops away from the eastern front.
He said Saturday evening that "up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian airborne troops" had been lost in battles in the Kursk region on that day and the day before.
And in an interview with US podcaster Lex Fridman released Sunday, he underlined the key role Trump would play.
"Trump and I will come to an agreement and... offer strong security guarantees, together with Europe, and then we can talk to the Russians," Zelensky said, according to the published translation of the interview held in Kyiv over the New Year.
"We and Trump come first, and Europe will support Ukraine's position," he added. Trump, he said, "has enough power to pressure him, to pressure Putin".
&nbsp;
- Airports briefly shut -
But Kyiv has so far been unable to halt Moscow's advances in Ukraine, which were seven times higher in 2024 than the year prior, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War.
Both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged regular attacks since the year began.
Russia said Sunday it had downed dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight in a barrage that damaged homes and triggered air alerts, while Kyiv said Moscow fired 103 drones into its territory.
Four Russian airports briefly suspended traffic early Sunday for "safety" reasons, a spokesperson for Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said.
Elsewhere on the front line, Ukrainian authorities in the eastern Donetsk region reported Sunday that five people had been wounded in Russian shelling.

U.S. President Joe Biden announces a $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, including military aid and long-term defense supplies, ahead of his presidency’s end.

Biden announces $2.5 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine

Biden's announcement includes $1.25 billion in military aid drawn from U.S. stockpiles and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced $2.5 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine on Monday as he uses his final weeks in office to surge military aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes power.
"At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine&rsquo;s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden said in a statement.
Biden's announcement includes $1.25 billion in military aid drawn from U.S. stockpiles and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, the final USAI package of Biden's time in office.
Under USAI, military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners, rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it can take months or years to arrive on the battlefield.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is approaching the three-year mark and recently the Russians have used North Korean troops to bolster their fighting position.
North Korean forces are experiencing mass casualties on the front lines of Russia's war against Ukraine, with 1,000 of their troops killed or wounded in the last week alone in Russia's Kursk region, White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Friday.
In a statement, Biden said the new assistance will provide Ukraine with "an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems."
Nearly three years into the war, Washington has committed $175 billion in total aid for Ukraine, but it is uncertain if the aid will continue at that pace under Trump, who replaces Biden on Jan. 20. Trump has said he wants to bring the war to a swift end.
During the presidential election campaign, Trump questioned the level of U.S. involvement in the conflict, suggesting European allies should bear more of the financial burden.
Some of his fellow Republicans - who will control both the House of Representatives and Senate starting next month - have also cooled on sending more aid to Kyiv.
Biden said the Defense Department is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles "which will strengthen Ukraine&rsquo;s hand as it heads into the winter."

Russian missile and drone strikes disrupt Ukraine's power grid on Christmas Day. Global leaders condemn attacks as Ukraine fends off aerial assaults amid winter challenges.

Russia's Massive Christmas Strikes Target Ukraine's Energy System

Russia meanwhile said five people had died in Ukrainian strikes and from a falling drone in the border region of Kursk and in North Ossetia in the Caucasus.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Wednesday an "inhumane" attack from Russia, which launched over 170 missiles and drones, knocking out power in several regions on Christmas Day and killing an energy worker.
The country woke up at 5:30 am (0330 GMT) to an air raid alarm, followed shortly by air force reports that Russia had launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.
"Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system," Zelensky said.
This was the 13th large-scale strike on Ukraine's energy system this year, the latest in Russia's campaign targeting the power grid during winter.
"Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not ruin Christmas," Zelensky said.
Russia meanwhile said five people had died in Ukrainian strikes and from a falling drone in the border region of Kursk and in North Ossetia in the Caucasus.
Ukraine said its air force downed 58 out of 79 Russian-launched missiles. It did not, however, down the two North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles launched by Russia.
US President Joe Biden called "outrageous" the strikes that cut off people's access to heat and electricity amid winter conditions.
"I have directed the Department of Defense to continue its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and the United States will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in its defense against Russian forces," he added in a statement.
Ukraine has been urging allies to send more aid to fend off aerial strikes and push back troops on the ground.
Earlier, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strikes.
"I pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the leadership of President Zelensky, in the face of further drone and missile attacks from Putin's bloody and brutal war machine with no respite even at Christmas," Starmer said.
Kyiv also said a Russian missile went through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, but Romania said it detected no such violation.
Moldova, which has expressed solidarity with Ukraine since the war, "confirmed a violation" of its airspace later Wednesday.
While its military radar did not identify the missile, "Russia deliberately flew these devices at a very low altitude to avoid detection", a presidency spokesperson told AFP.
&nbsp;
- 'Nothing sacred' -
Ukraine's DTEK energy company said the attack severely damaged equipment at thermal power plants.
"Denying light and warmth to millions of peace-loving people as they celebrate Christmas is a depraved and evil act that must be answered," the company's CEO Maxim Timchenko said.
The employee of a Ukrainian thermal power plant was killed in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, over which 42 missiles were shot down, governor Sergiy Lysak said.
Heating was cut in several parts of the city of Dnipro, said its mayor Borys Filatov, who added authorities were evacuating and transferring patients from a hospital.
"Christmas morning has once again shown that nothing is sacred for the aggressor country," Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, which also temporarily lost power.
Ukraine is officially celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the second time.
The government last year changed the date from January 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate, as a snub to Russia.
Nearly 200 people paraded through the centre of Kyiv, singing Christmas carols.
"With this march, we show that we will not be discouraged," 30-year-old Bogdana Kuevda, one of the participants, told AFP.
&nbsp;
- 'Won't ruin Christmas' -
The Christmas day attack also targeted Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, located near the Russian border.
The missiles had targeted the city's boiler houses, thermal power plants and electricity facilities, mayor Igor Terekhov said, temporarily cutting power to 500,000 people.
Kharkiv's governor Oleg Synegubov also said authorities had evacuated 46 people from the area of Borivske and Kupiansk.
Moscow's forces are aiming to recapture the town of Kupiansk, which was occupied in the first year of the war but later retaken by Ukrainian forces.
Outnumbered Ukrainian troops are now on the back foot across the front line in the Kharkiv and Donetsk region further south, ceding ground to better-equipped Russian troops.
Russia said it seized the small village of Vidrodzhennia, a few kilometres south of Pokrovsk, a vital rail hub and mining town.
Both sides are scrambling to gain an upper hand ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who boasted he would quickly end the war, raising fears that Washington may force Kyiv into a deal on Moscow's terms.

Russian missiles targeted Kyiv at sunrise on Friday, killing at least one person and damaging six diplomatic missions and a university in the centre of the Ukrainian capital.

Russian Missiles Target Kyiv in Retaliatory Strike, Killing One and Damaging Diplomatic Buildings

The strikes killed a 53-year-old man and wounded 12 people, most suffering from shrapnel injuries, the city's administration said.

Russian missiles targeted Kyiv at sunrise on Friday, killing at least one person and damaging six diplomatic missions and a university in the centre of the Ukrainian capital.
Moscow said it attacked Ukraine as retaliation for a strike using Western missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier in the week.
Russian aerial attacks regularly target the capital but rarely cause damage of that scale as Kyiv is well protected by air defence, nearly three years into Russia's invasion.
"There were explosions after explosions in a row," said 45-year-old Ksenia, who was staying at a hotel near the site of a wreckage.
The air force said it downed all five Iskander missiles Russia launched at the capital, but that debris caused damage in several districts.
The strikes killed a 53-year-old man and wounded 12 people, most suffering from shrapnel injuries, the city's administration said.
They also damaged a building housing the diplomatic missions of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal and Montenegro, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.
"Another heinous Russian attack against Kyiv," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen posted on X. "Putin's disregard for international law reaches new heights."
In the absence of the Russian ambassador in Lisbon, the charg&eacute; d'affaires of the Russian Federation has been summoned to be presented with a formal protest, the Portuguese government said.
"These are barbaric attacks on diplomatic institutions, this is crossing all possible red lines and international rules," foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy was quoted as saying by Ukrainian agency Interfax.
The building of the Kyiv National Linguistics University was also impacted, according to the institution's Instagram account, which posted photos of a main campus building whose windows had been completely blown out, glass shards covering the floor.
&nbsp;
- 'People start running' - &nbsp;
Victoria, a 35-year-old doctor, had come out to look at the charred cars and buildings with blown-out windows at the site of an attack.
"Russians should burn in hell," she said.
Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said Ukraine Patriot air defence systems had been deployed to shoot down the missiles.
The Ukrainian think tank Defence Express said: "All the missiles were successfully intercepted, but in one case, the warhead failed to be destroyed and it exploded near a business centre in the city centre."
Moscow claimed responsibility for the overnight attack on Ukraine, carried out a day after Russian leader Vladimir Putin threatened to strike Kyiv.
"You know that such strikes on Russian territory have been carried out, and you know that the president has said that every time there will be a response," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
His comment came soon after the Russian defence ministry said that "in response to the actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western handlers, a combined strike with long-range precision weapons was launched today".
The ministry said it had targeted an office of the SBU security service and a defence industry site, and that "all the targets have been struck".
&nbsp;
- 'Dumbass' - &nbsp;
Putin at a press conference on Thursday had suggested a "high-tech duel" over Kyiv to test his claims that Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik, is impervious to air defences.
"Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv," he said.
"They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens."
Zelensky hit back, saying: "People are dying and he thinks it's 'interesting'... Dumbass."
Russian attacks also killed two people in Ukraine's southern city of Kherson Friday.
"Today Kherson woke up from numerous strikes of the Russian army. The occupants have created hell in the city," governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.
Prokudin also said shelling had left 60,000 homes without electricity in the Kherson region, which has been under daily strikes since Ukraine liberated the city in November 2022.
Russian forces were then pushed back to the other side of the Dnipro river, putting Kherson well within reach of Russian artillery stationed on the opposite bank.
A Russian sabotage group tried but failed to cross the Dnipro during the shelling of Kherson, spokesman for the Southern Defence Forces Vladyslav Voloshyn told state-run Suspilne media.
Russian troops are on the offensive again, especially in the eastern Donbas region, where they captured two small villages near the city of Pokrovsk.

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