Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) condemned Vladimir Putin following the largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began. The Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least two people and marked what Starmer called a "brutal" and "cowardly" assault that proved Putin believes he can "act with impunity".
The attack targeted civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, with debris hitting the cabinet of ministers building in Kyiv for the first time. Associated Press reporters witnessed smoke rising from the government building's roof, though it remained unclear whether this resulted from a direct hit or falling debris.
International condemnation grows
French President Emmanuel Macron, who co-leads the "coalition of the willing" with Starmer, said Moscow was "locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror". The coalition represents countries committed to protecting Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.
Polish Premier Donald Tusk argued the military onslaught demonstrated that delaying a "strong reaction" against Putin made "no sense". "The US and Europe must together force Russia to accept an immediate ceasefire. We have all the instruments," Tusk said on Saturday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared: "Once again, the Kremlin is mocking diplomacy, trampling international law and killing indiscriminately. Europe stands, and will continue to stand, fully behind Ukraine."
Scale of the assault
Russia launched 805 drones and decoys against Ukraine, according to officials. Ukrainian forces successfully shot down and neutralised 747 drones and four missiles, though nine missile hits and 56 drone strikes still occurred across 37 locations.
Debris from intercepted drones and missiles fell on eight separate locations throughout the country. The comprehensive nature of the attack represented a significant escalation in Russia's air campaign against Ukrainian targets.
Peace efforts continue
The assault followed a virtual meeting of the "coalition of the willing", where European nations pressed Putin to work towards ending the war. Some 26 of Ukraine's allies have pledged security guarantees as part of a "reassurance force" for Ukraine once fighting concludes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to meet Putin for peace negotiations. "The world can force the Kremlin criminals to stop the killings - all that is needed is political will," Zelensky said on Sunday, while urging US President Donald Trump to impose punishing sanctions on Russia.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
