The Kremlin has escalated rhetoric against Ukraine, labeling its military actions as 'inhumane acts of terror' following a series of Russian strikes that killed at least 17 civilians and injured over 100 in various Ukrainian cities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the conflict has shifted into a new phase, attributing the change to what he claims are deliberate attacks by Ukraine on civilian targets. This assertion follows a Ukrainian drone strike on a student dormitory in Russian-controlled Luhansk, which Moscow says resulted in 21 fatalities. Ukraine, however, denies targeting civilians and asserts its operations were aimed at military installations. Peskov also stated that while Russia is intensifying its military responses, it remains open to peace talks, although Kyiv has dismissed proposals that involve territorial concessions. The ongoing hostilities have effectively stalled any peace negotiations, with both nations entrenched in their positions.