Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine's capital just hours after US President Donald Trump accused Volodymyr Zelenskyy of 'prolonging' the conflict.
Nine people were killed and another 63 were injured - including six children - after a large-scale missile and drone assault hit Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The city's mayor and boxing legend, Vitali Klitschko, said a host of fires were also reported in residential buildings, while raising fears that further victims could be trapped under debris.
Two people were also injured in Kharkiv after the north-eastern city in Ukraine was also attacked, the BBC reports.
Advert
Death and devastation rained down on the war-torn country once again just hours after the US President had claimed that Zelenskyy was hampering peace negotiations.
In a scathing post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the parties were 'very close' to reaching a deal to end the war - but Ukraine won't agree to recognise Russian control of Crimea.
Trump wrote: "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?
"It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country."
Russia has occupied Crimea since 2014, when forces invaded and annexed the peninsula, which is situated just south of mainland Ukraine.
Trump went on to once again suggest that Vladimir Putin had been a lot easier to deal with during peace negotiations than Zelenskyy.
"I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever," the President continued.
"The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field', and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE."
Trump also shared further thoughts while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office later, saying he has 'a deal with Russia' and has 'got to do a deal with Zelenskyy'.
"I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky, so far it’s been harder," he said.
Talks between the UK, France, Germany, the US and Ukraine have been taking place in London this week, but were downgraded to technical discussions yesterday (23 April) after US secretary of state Marco Rubio decided not to attend.
The European nations issued a joint statement following the meeting, saying participants had 'reiterated their strong support for President Trump’s commitment to stopping the killing', describing the talks as 'productive and successful'. However, the US did not sign up to the statement.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said 'emotions have run high today', but praised each side for 'contributing meaningfully' and 'respectfully receiving each other’s positions'.
Including a screenshot of a condemnation of the occupation of Crimea made by the US during Trump’s first term in 2018, he added: “We are grateful to our partners. Ukraine will always act in accordance with its constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions."
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump, US News, World News, Politics
Olivia Burke