Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that recent heavy drone attacks on Russia were carried out in retaliation for a strike that damaged a historic monastery in Kyiv earlier this week, warning that “Moscow will burn” if attacks continue.

Drone Attacks Target Moscow

Scores of drones targeted Moscow overnight, with reports indicating that the Russian capital’s oil refinery was hit for the second time in a week.

Zelensky’s Remarks

Zelensky made the comments in a voice message sent to journalists via a WhatsApp group, saying Ukraine did not want the war and that its position was well understood by international partners.

“We don’t want this war, we never did, and everyone knows it, and our partners know it,” he said. “But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn.”

Kyiv Strikes and Casualties

The remarks followed a series of deadly attacks across Ukraine. At least 10 people were killed on Monday in drone and missile strikes that also damaged the centuries-old Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery.

NATO Meeting in Brussels

Zelensky was scheduled to attend a meeting of Ukraine’s military allies in Brussels on Thursday, where discussions were expected to focus on air defense supplies through NATO programs and plans for a joint anti-ballistic missile system involving Ukraine and its partners.

Call for Increased Pressure on Russia

Zelensky also urged Europe and the United States to intensify sanctions against Russia, targeting its defense and energy sectors as well as the broader economy, in an effort to pressure President Vladimir Putin to end the war.

“Everyone needs to put pressure on Putin: Ukrainians, all Europeans, Americans, and Russians,” he said. “It is time to sober up and put pressure on their leader.”