'Putin is testing the world': Zelenskyy calls for Russia sanctions after massive attack on Ukraine; European leaders to meet in US this week

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for tougher sanctions on Russia after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault since the start of the war, striking government buildings and residential areas across the country.

In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said international condemnation must be matched by concrete steps. "It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world – whether they will accept or tolerate this," he said.


“That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing,” further added Zelenskyy.

Further accusing Putin of not wanting an end to the war, he added, "Equally important – our long-range capabilities. Putin does not want negotiations, he is clearly hiding from them, so Russia’s fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders’ level."

Zelenskyy's remarks came after the overnight assault that led into Sunday, involved more than 800 drones and 13 missiles, including four ballistic, according to Ukrainian officials. For the first time, the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv was directly hit, with a fire breaking out on its upper floors. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed the damage, saying: “For the first time, the Government building, its roof, and upper floors were damaged by the enemy attacks. Rescuers are extinguishing the fire. I thank them for their work.”

Air raid sirens rang out in Kyiv for 11 hours. An infant was among at least two people killed when residential buildings were struck, with dozens more injured. “In one of them, the floors between the 4th and 8th stories have collapsed. As of now, two people have been reported killed, including one child,” Zelenskyy said.

Other regions were also hit. “More than 20 houses and a kindergarten were damaged in Zaporizhzhia. Warehouses were destroyed in Kryvyi Rih, one person was killed in Safonivka, Sumy region, and another one in the Chernihiv region. A residential high-rise was hit in Odesa. Many regions have been affected over the past day,” Zelenskyy added.

He condemned the strikes as “vile,” calling them a “deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war.” He urged allies to deliver on previous commitments made in Paris and Washington to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences. “Every additional system saves civilians from these vile strikes,” he said.

The Ukrainian President's call for sanctions followed US President Donald Trump, who said, that he was prepared to impose additional sanctions on Moscow. Asked if he was ready to move to a “second phase” of measures against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump replied: “Yes, I am.”

Trump also said European leaders would visit the White House on September 8 or 9, adding that he expects to speak “soon” with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

The attack, which surpassed a massive bombardment in July, comes amid renewed Western efforts to broker a peace deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned last week that any Western troops deployed in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets for defeat.” “The world can force the Kremlin criminals to stop the killings – all that is needed is political will,” Zelenskyy said.