Rescue workers put out a fire at a commercial store, destroyed by a Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Kateryna Klochko)

Downing Street said Vladimir Putin “has never been serious about peace” after Russian air strikes killed 10 Ukrainians, including a one-year-old girl.

The attacks came barely 48 hours after the Russian president held talks with Donald Trump at a summit with the title “Pursuing Peace”.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attacks as “demonstrative and cynical”, and said they were designed to put pressure on his country and Europe as attempts to end the war intensify.

Zelenskyy will hold talks with Trump in the White House on Monday, with European leaders including Keir Starmer also in Washington for discussions with the US president.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said: “The Russian war machine continues to destroy lives despite everything. Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts.

“That is precisely why we are seeking assistance to put an end to the killings.........

© HuffPost