Zelensky Calls on the Global Community to Strengthen Sanctions in Response to Russian Terror
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again addressed the international community, urging them to intensify efforts to deter Russia amid its large-scale attacks on Ukrainian territory. The Head of State emphasized that the response to Moscow’s refusal to cease its aggression should include not only diplomatic pressure but also serious economic measures, such as blocking financial flows and banning the trade of Russian oil. Massive Attack on Ukraine: Details and Scale According to information obtained directly from the President’s office, the night of May 26 was one of the most brutal during the entire period of full-scale war. Russian forces carried out a massive missile and drone strike on Ukrainian regions, launching 355 attack drones, most of which were Shahed-model drones. Additionally, nine cruise missiles were fired at Ukrainian territories. Several regions suffered damage—from Chernihiv to Khmelnytskyi, and from Kharkiv to Odesa. People and infrastructure were significantly affected, and the situation remained tense. The Significance and Political Context of the Attacks According to Volodymyr Zelensky, this nighttime attack was the largest since Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine began. He highlighted that Russia resorts to terrorist scenarios driven narrowly by political motives, demonstrating its goals and attitude toward the international community. "This is the third night in a row where Russia conducts combined attacks—drones and missiles simultaneously. Only a sense of complete impunity allows the Kremlin to continue such actions, further demonizing its targets and devaluing human life," the President stressed. He underscored that such a strategy makes no military sense but carries a clear political message: Putin and his team are showing their contempt for global norms and international institutions, wasting effort and resources to intimidate Ukraine and the entire civilized world, while the global community leaves diplomatic means of pressure unused. "Russia, like any criminal, must be stopped by force—not only military but also economic power capable of ending this aggression once and for all," Zelensky added. Consequences and the Response of the Global Community The President emphasized that the response must be not just verbal but decisive and systemic. "The increase in Russian attacks must be met with an adequate response—strengthening sanctions, blocking financial flows, and banning Russian oil trade. This will send a powerful signal that the world will not remain on the sidelines and is ready to act decisively against any manifestations of terror," he noted. Zelensky also sincerely thanked international partners and countries supporting sanctions pressure in this effort, aiming to deprive the Kremlin of resources to continue the war. In his view, unity and a firm stance by global leaders are vital in stopping Russia’s interference, as Ukraine alone cannot cope with such widespread aggression. Context and Current Data In addition to the situation in Ukraine, global concern is growing over the potential development of scenarios involving Russia’s use of even more attack drones, possibly reaching thousands. The British publication The Economist reports that Russia already has the capacity to conduct large-scale aviation and missile operations using thousands of drones, raising fears of an immediate threat to Ukraine. It is worth recalling that on May 25 and May 24, Russia conducted combined strikes using significant quantities of missiles and drones. During the night of May 25 alone, Ukrainian forces shot down over 310 drones and nine cruise missiles, while on May 24, enemy aircraft launched 14 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 250 drones, of which Ukrainian forces destroyed 6 missiles and 128 drones, respectively. Thus, the situation remains tense, and the threat of further large-scale attacks continues to loom. Against this backdrop of challenges and risks stemming from Russian aggression, the importance of unity and decisive actions to strengthen economic sanctions becomes evident. Ukraine is striving to increase pressure on the Kremlin to end the war and restore peace on its territory, while also urging international partners not to reduce support and to remain very firm in their policy toward Russia.