US President Donald Trump criticizes Putin over Ukraine conflict, as Russian forces launch massive aerial strikes on Kyiv.
An attack by Russian forces on Kyiv has resulted in at least nine deaths. The missile attack targeted a residential building in the ‘Sviatoshynskyi district’ west of the city center. Seven other regions were also attacked, with 70 missiles and 145 drones launched at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The city of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, has faced numerous attacks throughout its history.
In recent years, the city has been targeted by Russian-backed separatists and military forces.
As a result, Kyiv has implemented various security measures to protect its citizens.
According to official reports, over 1,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict since 2014.
The city's infrastructure has also suffered significant damage, with many buildings and homes destroyed or damaged.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President, has said he will cut short his visit to South Africa due to the attacks on Kyiv. He will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician and former comedian who became the President of Ukraine in 2019.
Born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, Zelenskyy rose to fame with his satirical television show 'Servant of the People.' He won the presidential election in 2019 with over 73% of the vote and took office on May 20, 2019.
As President, he has focused on anti-corruption efforts, economic reform, and military modernization.
The attack on Kyiv was seen as a sign that Russia is not interested in ending its invasion of Ukraine, according to Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister. The Kremlin has been carrying out massive aerial strikes on Ukraine, including on the capital city.
Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief, has said that Russia‘s actions are a mockery of peace efforts and that the real obstacle to a peaceful resolution is not Ukraine but Russia itself.
Donald Trump, US President, has also suggested that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is hindering a deal rather than Moscow, which has been echoed by Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman. However, Ukraine has repeatedly said it will not give up Crimea under any deal with Moscow.
Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to build a successful real estate business.
Trump's entry into politics began with his presidential campaign in 2015, which he won in 2016.
As the 45th President of the United States, Trump served from 2017 to 2021.
His presidency was marked by controversy and polarization, including the impeachment inquiry in '2019'.
Trump has been married three times and has five children.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, and DW brings you the latest updates on the conflict.
