Russian forces launch large-scale air strikes, government building in Kyiv catches fire; Macron condemns Russia's descent into a logic of war and terrorism
French President Macron condemned on Sunday, after the largest air strike since the war began in Moscow, that "Russia is increasingly descending into the logic of war and terrorism."
On the X platform, French President Macron also condemned Russia's "indiscriminate bombing of residential areas and government headquarters," and assured that France will continue to "do everything possible to achieve a just and lasting peace."
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, on Saturday night to Sunday morning, Russia launched at least 805 drones and 13 missiles toward Ukraine, marking the largest air strike since the conflict began in February 2022.
The spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the unprecedented scale of the air strike, which occurred less than two weeks after Kyiv suffered a large-scale attack, marks an escalation of the situation and once again proves that Russia has no intention of peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he spoke with Emmanuel Macron on Sunday regarding this attack.
Zelenskyy said on Telegram: "We coordinated our diplomatic efforts, subsequent steps, and communication with partners to ensure an appropriate response."
He added: "We are working with France to develop new measures to strengthen our defense capabilities."
As US President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts to persuade Russia to accept a ceasefire have failed, European supporters, including France, are trying to urge the US to increase pressure on Moscow.
A coalition of 26 countries (mainly European countries) stated that they are prepared to take action to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, including sending ground troops, but only if the US supports them and ensures their rear area safety.
At least 5 dead, Ukrainian government building attacked
Russia launched a large-scale bombing on Saturday to Sunday night, causing the Ukrainian government building located in the center of Kyiv to be attacked and catch fire. According to AFP reports early Sunday, the air strike caused at least 5 deaths, two of whom died in the capital.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Ioulia Svyrydenko posted pictures on Telegram showing flames bursting from the exterior of the government building. She said, "The roof and upper floors of the building were damaged for the first time due to enemy attacks."
AFP journalists saw smoke coming from the government building near the presidential palace and parliament in the city center, with helicopters dropping water on the roof to extinguish the fire.
Local authorities in Ukraine reported that one woman was killed by a guided bomb in the Zaporozhie region on Sunday morning, and one person died in the Sumy border area on Saturday evening.
Currently, Russian forces occupy about 20% of Ukrainian territory. US President Trump's recent diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict have hit a deadlock.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842615214069767/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.