Zelenskyy: 'This is only change in Russia's behavior since change of US President'
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Recently, Russia has significantly increased the use of attack drones in its strikes against Ukraine. This is the only real change in Russia's behavior since Donald Trump returned to the US presidency, stated President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a speech at a special meeting of G7 leaders.
"If last year it was shocking to see 100 Shahed drones used in one night, now it’s unusual if fewer than 100 are used in a single strike. In fact, this is the only real change in Russia’s behavior since the change of the U.S. President. And it proves that those supporting new and stronger sanctions against Russia are absolutely right," Zelenskyy noted.
According to him, even if Trump is not putting enough pressure on Russia right now, the truth is that the US still has the broadest global interests and the largest number of allies. All of them will need strong protection.
"We will all have to keep working together – with the highest possible level of coordination. Not just political and diplomatic, but also technological and investment-based. I urge you to continue increasing investments in weapons production in Ukraine – this is the fastest way to achieve results," the Ukrainian President stated.
He noted that it is necessary to continue to urge Trump to use his influence to force Putin to end the war against Ukraine.
"It was the U.S. and President Trump who proposed a ceasefire, the resumption of diplomacy, immediate meetings and negotiations. But Russia has blocked every effort," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Massive Russian strike on Ukraine on June 17
On the night of June 17, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, using nearly 500 strike drones and dozens of missiles.
As a result of a Kh-101 missile strike in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district, an entire section of a 9-story residential building collapsed, and a fire broke out in a nearby five-story building.
Damage was also reported in the Darnytskyi, Podilskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Sviatoshynskyi districts. In total, 27 locations across the capital came under enemy fire overnight.
The strike on Kyiv killed 14 people and left over a hundred injured.
Additionally, early in the morning, Russian forces carried out a massive drone attack on Odesa. Civilian infrastructure was once again targeted — residential buildings, a kindergarten, an inclusive center, garages, and other sites were damaged. Fires broke out in several locations.
Two people were killed and more than 20 were injured in the Odesa strike.
Ukraine has submitted a request for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in response to the overnight Russian attack.
