Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the US and its partners to increase pressure on Russia to “break its capacity to wage war”.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said “Putin couldn’t care less about diplomacy”.

“For several weeks now, there has been a US proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, and almost every day, in response to this proposal, there are Russian drones, bombs, artillery shelling, and ballistic strikes.”

“Russia deserves increased pressure – all the tough measures that can break its capacity to wage war and sustain the system that wants nothing but war,” he concluded, reiterating his calls for better air defence systems for Ukraine as well as increased sanctions on Moscow.

Kyiv expects all partners who genuinely seek peace and guaranteed security to use all the necessary tools.

“Everyone needs diplomacy to succeed, except Putin. Therefore, pressure must be applied to him for diplomacy to succeed and for people’s lives to be saved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russian strikes hit Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, on Sunday night and into Monday, causing six explosions and injuring three people, according to the State Emergency Service.

Russian drones hit a civilian business, causing fires in production and warehouse buildings over an area of more than 3,900 square metres, the report said.

Russia used two ballistic missiles and 131 drones overnight, according to Ukrainian authorities.

During the attacks, a large fire broke out at the site of the explosions, damaging the façade and windows of a children’s centre.

Emergency services worked all night to contain the damage and assist residents.