Russia is escalating pressure on Ukraine with brutal missile attacks on its cities and major pushes on the battlefield as it tries to force Kyiv to capitulate to its war demands.

Moscow’s forces are capitalising on existing momentum on the eastern front to make incremental advances but Russia “does not hold all the cards”, analysts emphasised.

At least 12 people were killed in deadly drone and missile strikes on Kyiv overnight, in Moscow’s largest attack on the Ukrainian capital this month. The British Council building and headquarters of the European Union delegation in Kyiv were among structures hit in the attacks.

“These Russian missiles and attack drones today are a clear response to everyone in the world who, for weeks and months, has been calling for a ceasefire and for real

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