Zelensky: ‘We Must Respond Harshly’ After Russia Launches Nearly 400 Drones, 20 Missiles

President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to Russia’s latest massive overnight assault, which involved nearly 20 missiles and around 400 strike drones, including almost 200 Shaheds.

“Unfortunately, two people have died in Kyiv. My condolences to their families and loved ones. As of now, 16 people have been injured,” the president said.

In a post on Telegram, Zelensky stated that the attack lasted almost ten hours and primarily targeted Kyiv and its surrounding region, with additional strikes on the Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv regions.

Calling it a clear escalation of terror, Zelensky condemned Russia’s growing use of massive nightly drone attacks and missile strikes against Ukrainian cities.

“This means we need to accelerate – sanctions must be tougher, and pressure on Russia must be increased so it feels the consequences of its terror,” he wrote.

Zelensky also urged international partners to act faster in supporting Ukraine with weapons production and technology.

“Today I will speak with partners, including members of the coalition of the willing, about additional funding for interceptor drone production and new air defense systems for Ukraine,” he added.

“The tasks are absolutely clear. We must respond harshly to such Russian strikes. And that is exactly how we will respond.”

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that starting from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, Russian forces launched a massive aerial assault involving 415 air attack vehicles, including:

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• 397 Shahed-type strike UAVs and various types of decoy drones

• 8 Iskander-M ballistic missiles

• 6 Kh-101 cruise missiles

• 4 S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles

The attack was repelled by Ukraine’s aviation, air defense missile units, electronic warfare systems, unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces.

“According to preliminary data, as of 10 a.m., air defense units shot down 178 enemy aerial targets: 164 Shahed-type UAVs, 8 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and 6 Kh-101 cruise missiles,” the Air Force said.

In addition, 204 drones and missiles were reportedly lost or neutralized by electronic warfare systems.

Despite the defenses, impacts were recorded in eight locations, where 33 strike drones hit their targets. Debris from downed drones also fell in 23 separate locations, the report said.