Zelensky Urges More Pressure on Russia After Mass Drone, Missile Attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, April 16, called for stronger international pressure on Russia following a massive overnight drone and missile attack across multiple Ukrainian cities.

“Russia is betting on war, and the response must be to protect lives and increase pressure for peace,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

According to Zelensky, Russia launched nearly 700 drones over the previous day and night, along with 19 ballistic and cruise missiles, with most ballistic strikes targeting Kyiv.

Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 636 drones and some missiles, though not all were shot down. The attack caused damage to residential buildings and resulted in casualties in Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro.

Zelensky said at least 100 people were injured and confirmed fatalities, including a 12-year-old child. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

The president thanked international partners, including Germany, Norway, and Italy, for new agreements to support Ukraine’s air defense, and said Ukraine is also working with the Netherlands on additional supplies.

He added that Ukraine is seeking faster delivery of previously promised systems, including missiles for Patriot air defense systems.

“Russia does not deserve any easing of pressure or sanctions,” Zelensky said.

Mass attack across Ukraine

Russia launched a combined assault overnight using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, hitting multiple regions including Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa and Kharkiv.

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6 Killed, 35 Wounded in Drone, Missile Barrage on Dnipropetrovsk Region

Six people were killed and 35 wounded as Russian forces carried out more than 60 drone and missile attacks across four districts of Dnipropetrovsk region.

In Kyiv, at least five people were killed and more than 20 injured, according to the State Emergency Service. Several districts reported damage to residential buildings and infrastructure.

In Dnipro, at least two people were killed and dozens injured, while in Odesa, multiple waves of strikes killed eight people and injured more than 10.

Ukraine’s Air Force said it tracked more than 700 aerial targets during the attack, including drones and missiles, and intercepted the majority of them.