Zelenskyy Urges Stronger Sanctions After Russia’s Record Drone Assault Across Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the critical need for robust defense support, particularly interceptor drones, and stronger global sanctions against Russia amid ongoing and intensified Russian drone and missile attacks. Following a Coalition of the Willing meeting in Rome involving 32 countries and U.S. representatives, Zelenskyy highlighted increased investment in drone technology and air defense systems as priorities to counter Russia's assaults. The recent record-breaking Russian strike involved 741 aerial targets, including over 300 Shahed drones and multiple missiles, which Ukraine managed to largely intercept using its air defense and interceptor drones. Zelenskyy called for “biting sanctions” against Russian oil and secondary sanctions on entities purchasing it, stressing that such economic pressures are essential to force Russia to cease its aggression. He noted that these attacks come despite ongoing efforts, including by President Trump, to broker a ceasefire, underscoring Russia’s rejection of peace initiatives. The Ukrainian leader urged international partners to act decisively to ensure Ukraine's security and to pressure Russia toward ending the war.