'Russia does not deserve any easing of sanctions': Zelenskyy reacts to Russia's overnight attack
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russia is betting on war and does not deserve any easing or lifting of sanctions, according to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Another night has proven that Russia does not deserve any easing of global policy or lifting of sanctions. Russia is betting on war, and the response must be exactly that: we must defend lives with all available means, and we must also apply pressure for the sake of peace with the same full force," Zelenskyy said.
He thanked Germany, Norway, and Italy, with whom Ukraine has already reached agreements to support Ukrainian air defense, and reported on work with the Netherlands on additional supplies.
In the morning, the president heard a report from the Air Force commander.
Russia launched nearly 700 drones at Ukraine over the day and evening of April 15 and over the night. There were also missiles: 19 ballistic and cruise missiles during the night. Most of the ballistic missiles were directed at Kyiv.
"636 drones and some of the missiles were shot down. Unfortunately, not all. There were hits and damage to ordinary residential buildings. Tragically, there are fatalities in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. Among those killed is a boy – he was 12 years old. My condolences to the families and loved ones. As of now, 100 people are reported wounded as a result of this single massive Russian attack," Zelenskyy reported.
The president stressed that there can be no normalization with Russia as it is today. Pressure on Russia must work. It is also important to implement every promise of assistance to Ukraine on time.
"There are many political commitments by partners that have already been announced but not yet implemented – including within the Ramstein format and on a bilateral basis. I have instructed the Commander of the Air Forces to contact those partners who earlier committed to providing missiles for Patriot and other systems. I expect a report on the results," Zelenskyy added.
Massive Russian attack on Ukraine
Russia attacked Ukraine over the course of a day with hundreds of aerial targets — drones and missiles. There were hits at 26 locations, with dead and injured in several cities, the greatest destruction in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa.
In total, over the day, Russian troops launched 703 aerial targets at Ukraine, including 44 missiles and 659 drones of various types. Hits of 12 missiles and 20 drones were recorded.
More details about the consequences of the massive combined Russian attack are in the RBC-Ukraine material.
