Zelensky calls for decisive Western action amid new wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed serious concern over the recent large-scale night missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Sumy, and Kremenchuk.
According to him, Russian forces launched over 810 attack drones in a single night, more than 400 of which were kamikaze drones known as ‘Shaheds’.
These weapons aimed primarily to overload Ukraine’s air defense system and complicate the operation of the country’s protective systems.
Russia’s tactics also included the use of ballistic and cruise missiles.
Despite the scale of the attack, Ukrainian military units managed to intercept and destroy a significant number of targets, thanks to the coordinated efforts of electronic warfare units, military aviation, mobile groups, and anti-aircraft units.
Zelensky emphasized that strengthening air defense remains the top priority and that Ukraine must reach interception rates of around 300-400 drones per attack to deter future assaults.
Financial resources, contracts, and manufacturing capacities have already been secured; what is needed now is scaling these capabilities.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted that these nighttime strikes are an attempt by Kremlin to test international reactions.
Consequently, he stressed the importance of action from Kyiv’s partners, including targeted sanctions, trade restrictions, and economic pressure on Russia.
The upcoming meeting in the «Ramstein» format is expected to focus on new support packages, particularly enhancing technological military capabilities and enabling long-range strikes.
Zelensky held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, receiving assurances of continued support.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry informed international allies about Russia’s latest escalation.
Responding to the situation, the U.S.
announced readiness to intensify pressure on Russia, including the possibility of imposing additional sanctions, to help Ukraine defend its territory and counteract aggression.