Russia isn’t serious about peace talks, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s adviser has told the BBC’s Newshour.
Alexander Rodnyansky says talks aim to “trap the West into thinking further sanctions aren’t necessary”.
Ukrainian authorities say at least eight people were killed by shelling that destroyed a shopping centre in the Podilskyi district of the capital, Kyiv.
Video released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service captured the moment the centre was struck, causing a huge explosion followed by a large ball of flames.
The force of the blast shattered the windows of a neighbouring high-rise block.
Firefighters were later seen trying to reach people stranded beneath rubble at the site.
Several floors of the 10-storey building remained ablaze for hours after the attack.
Reuters news agency reports some survivors nearby said they had to scramble for cover while others said they were fortunate to have been sleeping “between two walls” in their hallways to protect themselves from any possible attack.
The BBC’s James Waterhouse, who is in Kyiv about eight miles south of the Podilskyi district, said he heard a series of very loud bangs overnight.
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