Russia launched its heaviest aerial assault since the start of the war in Ukraine, prompting President Donald Trump to warn of tougher sanctions. The Sunday attack killed four civilians, including a mother and her child, and damaged Kyiv’s main government building. Ukrainian officials reported at least 810 drones and 13 missiles were used, sparking renewed demands for stronger Western measures against Moscow.
On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the threats, insisting sanctions would never change Russia’s position. He claimed the unprecedented measures imposed over the past four years had proven “absolutely useless” in exerting pressure on the Kremlin.
Trump told reporters he was prepared to escalate sanctions, including secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trading partners. He urged European allies to follow suit, stating that increased sanctions could collapse Russia’s economy and force President Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
European leaders reiterated support for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 allied nations would commit troops “by land, sea, or air” once a ceasefire is in place, though he stressed that the aim was to prevent further aggression, not provoke war.