Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said strikes targeting Russia’s oil industry and military production facilities are “entirely justified” after Moscow flattened an apartment block in Kyiv, killing at least 24 people.

On Friday, Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s attacks would not go unpunished, saying he had discussed long-range strikes with senior military and intelligence officials. A day of mourning was observed in Kyiv following Thursday’s attack on a nine-storey building in the Darnytskyi district.

Ukraine’s air force said the strike, which also killed three children, was part of Russia’s largest aerial assault since the war began. Zelenskyy also alleged Russia was trying to draw Belarus deeper into the war and preparing strikes on over 20 decision-making centers across Ukraine, including his office and state residence.

Ukraine responded on Friday with a large-scale long-range drone attack targeting energy and military infrastructure across several Russian regions. At least four people, including a child, were killed in Ryazan. Drones also struck a local oil refinery, one of the largest in the country.

The two countries completed an exchange of 205 prisoners of war each, part of a three-day ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. Both sides are expected to exchange a total of 1,000 prisoners each. Remains of those killed were also exchanged: Russia handed over 526 bodies, Ukraine returned 41.

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the war was nearing its end, but Zelenskyy dismissed the remarks. Trump said Thursday’s strike on the apartment block could delay peace efforts, noting that “until last night, it was looking good.”

Source: www.aljazeera.com