Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, stated on Thursday that Russia's heavy bombardment of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, demonstrates Moscow is “banking on escalation rather than negotiation.” This directly contradicts Vladimir Putin's recent claim that the war is “coming to an end.”
Kyiv Bears Brunt of Attacks
Emergency services reported at least 16 people killed in Kyiv, including two children, following almost continuous heavy attacks. Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia had launched 1,567 drones since the start of Wednesday. At least 22 civilians were killed over Wednesday and Thursday, officials said.
Zelenskyy remarked: “These are definitely not the actions of those who believe the war is coming to an end.”
Merz Rejects Russian Mediation
Merz emphasized that while Ukraine and Europe “want to help end this terrible war as quickly as possible,” the Russian attacks “speak a different language” to Putin's suggestions of peace. In a pointed rejection of Putin's proposal that former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder could mediate, Merz declared: “We Europeans decide for ourselves who speaks for us. No one else.”
Widespread Damage and Casualties
More than 1,500 rescue workers were deployed across Ukraine, including nearly 600 in Kyiv. Zelenskyy reported 180 damaged facilities, including over 50 residential buildings. In Kharkiv, 28 people, including three children, were wounded, and civilian infrastructure was targeted. Ukraine's energy ministry said electricity supplies in 11 regions were disrupted. Strikes also hit port infrastructure in the Odesa region and railways.
Latvian Government Collapses Over Drones
Latvia's prime minister resigned after her government collapsed over Ukrainian drones straying into Latvian territory from Russia. Evika Siliņa lost her coalition majority after forcing out defense minister Andris Sprūds, who resigned over failure to ensure safe skies. Ukraine claims the drones are driven into Latvia by Russian electronic warfare.
Nuclear Safety Concerns
The UN nuclear watchdog, IAEA, warned of “intensified” military activities near several Ukrainian nuclear sites, including Khmelnitsky, Rivne, South Ukraine, and Chornobyl. Over 160 UAVs were recorded flying near the sites. Director General Rafael Grossi urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint.”
Cross-Border Strikes and Arrests
Ukrainian drone attacks killed one person and injured three in Russia's Belgorod region. In Ukraine, the anti-corruption court ordered the arrest of Andriy Yermak, a close Zelenskyy ally, on money-laundering charges, with bail set at 140 million hryvnias ($3.19 million). Yermak denies the allegations.
