Zelensky vows retaliation as Russia intensifies strikes on Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation against Russia as Moscow intensified strikes on Kyiv, including a second attack on the Northern Bridge, describing the assaults as reflecting an "animalistic desire" to escalate the conflict. Russia's Defence Ministry warned that any Ukrainian response would trigger more severe attacks on military and energy infrastructure, while Zelensky announced a new policy of targeting Russian oil refineries. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv, pledging £850 million in military aid and energy repairs. The escalation follows a Kremlin letter threatening nuclear weapons over a potential NATO blockade of Kaliningrad, which NATO dismissed as "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." UK politician Andy Burnham also pledged steadfast support for Ukraine against Russian and Iranian threats.