Zelensky calls for tougher sanctions on Moscow after massive Russian strike
After a large-scale Russian drone attack on several Ukrainian regions killed and injured civilians, President Zelensky urged the world to increase sanctions pressure, warning that Russia will keep escalating through the winter without it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the international community on social media on September 25, following another large-scale Russian attack on the country's regions. He called on partner nations to intensify sanctions pressure on Moscow, warning that without it Russia will only escalate the situation by winter.
Strike on Kyiv and other regions
On Thursday morning, Russian forces struck a residential apartment building in Kyiv with a drone, killing a 14-year-old boy. Zelensky expressed condolences to the boy's family. Seven more people were injured in the attack. The fire in the building has been extinguished, though rescuers continue working at the scene to deal with the aftermath. Zelensky described the strike as an absolutely brutal and sick act with no military logic whatsoever.
According to the president, the constant threat of new Russian strikes has persisted across many Ukrainian regions since early morning. In total, attacks have hit eight Ukrainian regions since the start of the day. In Odesa, a repeated strike on a postal terminal killed one person, while in Zaporizhzhia Russian forces struck a medical clinic that had people inside at the time. Injuries were also reported in the Sumy and Mykolaiv regions.
Call to strengthen sanctions
Zelensky said that during recent meetings, Ukraine had openly told its partners that Russia will only escalate through the winter without greater pressure. He said that for diplomacy to start working, the United States needs to implement its sanctions and Europe needs to strengthen its own. The president stressed that the keys to peace lie in partners' hands, to be used through strength. He added that Russia must understand it cannot simply wait things out and that the war must end.
Overnight into September 25, Russia carried out a massive attack, launching 295 drones. By 7:30 a.m., Ukraine's air defense forces had shot down or electronically suppressed 267 of the unmanned aircraft. Hits were recorded in 16 locations, with debris from downed drones falling in four more, including hits on medical facilities in Kyiv. The attack continued even after the morning hours.
