Russia intensifies strikes on Kyiv ahead of U.S. elections, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is intensifying attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv to force residents to flee the capital, predicting further escalation ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. In an interview with El País at a Kyiv school damaged by a Russian strike, Zelensky stated Moscow aims to paralyze the city, disrupting work, schools, and kindergartens. He linked the increased attacks to the approaching U.S. elections, saying Putin will escalate to show strength, with signals directed at Washington. Zelensky noted he warned the American negotiating team about massive strikes on civilians, particularly after the elections, as Russia seeks to plunge Ukraine into chaos by targeting logistics, food supplies, hospitals, agriculture, and educational institutions.