Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of launching 18 missiles and around 400 attack drones in a “massive” deadly attack mostly targeted at Kyiv and the surrounding region that lasted around 10 hours.
“This is a clear escalation of terror by Russia—hundreds of ‘Shaheds’ every night, constant strikes, and massive attacks on Ukrainian cities,” Zelensky posted to X, referring to the Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russian forces.
As things stood, two people were dead in Kyiv and 16 others injured. Zelensky said the Russian attack into Thursday, July 10, also targeted Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv regions.
The Russian Ministry of Defence said it had intercepted 17 Ukrainian drones overnight and in the early morning, as of 7:30 a.m. local time, over the Black Sea, Belgorod, Kursk, Crimea, and Penza.
It came a day after Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war, comprising 728 drones and 13 missiles.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also approved more defensive weapons for Ukraine and voiced frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s intensification of Moscow’s invasion as Washington tries to broker peace.
“This demands that we speed things up,” Zelensky said on X after the latest Russian strikes.
“Sanctions must be imposed faster, and pressure on Russia must be strong enough that they truly feel the consequences of their terror. There’s a need for quicker action from our partners in investing in weapons production and advancing technology.”
Zelensky said he would speak with Ukraine’s allies within the Coalition of the Willing about more money for producing interceptor drones and the supply of air defense systems for Ukraine.
“The objectives are absolutely clear. Such Russian attacks must be met with a tough response. And that is exactly what we will deliver,” Zelensky said.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
