Russia Threatens Harsher Strikes on Ukraine as Merz Pledges More Aid in Kyiv

Russia has announced further escalation of strikes against Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the escalation and claiming he bears full personal and political responsibility. This comes amid already expanded Russian attacks following Ukrainian counterstrikes. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, visiting Kyiv, pledged additional military aid to Ukraine, defending the support despite domestic controversy. Russia's Defense Ministry said the intensified strikes respond to Zelensky's threats to hit more Russian military targets and arms factories, while Moscow initiated the war in February 2022. Ukraine has recently expanded attacks on Russian oil refineries, with President Vladimir Putin acknowledging economic damage. Both sides report civilian casualties, including at least three dead and twelve injured in Russia's Belgorod region from Ukrainian strikes.