Russian officials announced on Thursday that Moscow intends to continue intensifying pressure on Ukraine after a major overnight attack on Kyiv that Ukraine says killed at least 17 people and wounded scores.
Ukraine said the assault comprised 74 missiles and 496 drones and damaged several residential buildings. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the strikes had been aimed exclusively at "military or quasi-military targets." Peskov described the operation as a "massive retaliatory strike" and said President Vladimir Putin had been updated on the results by Russia's top military commander, Valery Gerasimov.
Officials in Moscow framed the operation as part of a wider escalation of long-range attacks. In the war's fifth year, Russia has increased the tempo of missile and drone strikes, particularly against Kyiv. Russian officials portrayed the campaign as a response to intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure, which Moscow says have inflicted heavy damage and contributed to fuel shortages.
Peskov was asked about a remark from European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who said the EU would propose additional sanctions intended to raise pressure on Russia. In response, Peskov said: "Russia will continue to intensify pressure on the Kyiv regime in order to achieve the goals it has set."
He also said there was an active discussion in Russia about measures to defend national security in light of what Moscow views as EU steps to "militarise" the continent and raise tensions. Peskov noted internal debate over the appropriate course, saying: "You are aware that there are proponents, including academics, of very drastic measures, just as there are advocates for more restrained approaches."
Addressing the broader strategic posture, Peskov declared: "But one thing is beyond doubt: the secure protection of the Russian Federation and its national interests will be guaranteed, come what may."
Summary: A major overnight Russian strike on Kyiv, which Ukraine says involved 74 missiles and 496 drones, caused at least 17 deaths and multiple injuries and damaged residential buildings. The Kremlin says its operation targeted military or quasi-military sites and vows to increase pressure on the Kyiv government, framing the actions as a response to attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and perceived steps by the EU.
- Context note: Officials in Moscow cite both Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure and EU actions as factors shaping Russia's security discussion; internal debate in Russia over the scale of measures was acknowledged by the Kremlin spokesman.