Photo source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has announced that he has instructed the commander of Ukraine’s Air Force to contact international partners that previously pledged to provide missiles for Patriot and other air defense systems.
Zelenskyi announced this on Telegram, as reported by Rubryka, after receiving an update this morning on the latest massive wave of Russian air attacks.
“This morning, I received a report from the Air Force Commander. In the previous day, evening, and overnight, Russia launched nearly 700 drones and several missiles, including 19 ballistic missiles and more cruise missiles last night. Most of the ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv. Our forces managed to shoot down 636 drones and several missiles. Unfortunately, not all threats were intercepted.
There were strikes and damage to civilian homes. Sadly, there are fatalities in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. Among those killed is a 12-year-old boy.
My condolences to the families and loved ones… At this hour, we know that just this one massive Russian attack has wounded 100 people,” Zelenskyi said.
The president emphasized that this attack proves there is no justification for easing international policy toward Russia.
“This night has shown that Russia does not deserve any easing of international sanctions or global pressure,” he said.
The head of state stressed that Russia continues to rely on large-scale warfare, and that the response must be comprehensive: strengthening defense capabilities while increasing international pressure in pursuit of peace simultaneously.
Photo source: Telegram / Odesa City Council
Zelenskyi also underscored the importance of fulfilling international commitments to support Ukraine.
“It is critical to deliver on every promise of assistance to Ukraine on time. Many partners have already made political commitments — but too many have yet to be realized, including those made in the ‘Ramstein’ format and through bilateral channels. I instructed the Air Force Commander to contact those partners who previously promised missiles for Patriot and other systems. I expect a detailed update on the results,” Zelenskyi said.
He also thanked countries already supporting Ukraine’s air defense efforts. Zelenskyi expressed gratitude to Germany, Norway, and Italy for reaching new air defense agreements and noted, “We are working with the Netherlands for additional supplies.”
Photo source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
As previously reported, Zelenskyi is visiting several European capitals as part of a diplomatic tour. He has already visited Germany, Norway, and Italy, and is scheduled to visit the Netherlands today. A key focus of these meetings is the urgent reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defense system.
Background
On the night of April 16, Russian troops attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones, killing four and injuring several dozen.
That same night, Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv also came under attack. Russian missile and drone strikes killed and wounded civilians, causing widespread destruction.
In Odesa, a missile and drone attack killed nine and injured another eleven. Infrastructure facilities and a residential building in the Khadzhibeyskyi district were damaged, along with several other buildings. The city has declared a day of mourning for the victims.
Russian forces also struck Dnipro, igniting fires and hitting residential areas. Two people died, and 27 were injured in the overnight assault. In the Nikopol district, another person died and three were wounded.
In Kharkiv, Russian drones caused fires and injuries.
In the Mykolaiv region, a family in Novyi Buh, including a 36-year-old man, a 35-year-old woman, and their eight-year-old son, was hospitalized after the attack. The child suffered an acute stress reaction. Eight private homes were also damaged.
Overall, more than 80 people were wounded in cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv, and at least 15 people were killed, though figures are still being updated.
