Putin 'knows exactly what he is doing' as Russia branded a 'truly global threat'

Russia launched a new overnight attack on Kyiv (Image: Getty)

Vladimir Putin "knows exactly what he is doing", Volodymyr Zelensky warned as his country continues to resist the unlawful Russian invasion. Speaking from the Netherlands, where on Thursday he is to receive the International Four Freedoms Award, the Ukrainian president called the moment his country was invaded in February 2022 "unprecedented".

But, five years into the conflict, Mr Zelensky argued today it is "definitely not unprecedented". He added: "[Vladimir] Putin knows exactly what he's doing. Exactly." The Russian president, he continued, harbours "expansionist ambitions", and has carried Russia's war ideas "as far as Syria and Africa".

The Ukrainian's speech comes after another night of terror across Ukraine, with parts of the country being pummelled overnight by Russian strikes.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said four people, including a 12-year-old child, had died in the Ukrainian capital, while 45 others were left injured.

A total of 13 people lost their lives between April 15 and 16 due to Russian strikes across Ukraine, the country's officials have claimed.