Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin accused of escalating war after Kyiv apartment block strike kills nine

German chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned Russia’s aerial bombardment of Ukraine, saying it contradicts Vladimir Putin’s claims to want an end to the war.

“The largest Russian attacks on Ukraine in recent times show that Moscow is betting on escalation of the conflict, not negotiations,” he said on X yesterday.

“We continue to stand with Ukraine. Kyiv and its partners are ready for talks on a just peace. Russia, however, continues to wage war,” Merz said.

• Kyiv is observing a day of mourning today after a major Russian attack left 21 dead and dozens wounded
• Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia launched 1,567 drones since the start of Wednesday, just days after president Vladimir Putin said the war was “coming to an end”
• At least 180 facilities were damaged by the attacks in Ukraine, including more than 50 residential buildings
• A UN Office for the Coordination of ‌Humanitarian Affairs vehicle came under fire from Russian drones during a humanitarian mission in the southern city of ​Kherson, says Zelensky
• German chancellor Friedrich Merz says Russia’s heavy bombardment showed that Putin was “banking on escalation rather than negotiation”