Zelenskyy urges allies to act after massive Russian air attack

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

The war in Ukraine has entered another difficult stage. On Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Russia launched one of its biggest air attacks in months, firing hundreds of drones and missiles across Ukraine.

The strikes targeted energy systems, transport links, and several civilian areas. At least four railway workers were injured, and damage caused long train delays across the country.

In response to this fresh wave of destruction, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his call for stronger support from allies. He asked countries like Denmark, France, and other partners in Europe and the United States to increase pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy believes that only with tougher action and united support can the war be shortened and Ukraine’s safety be secured.

Russia’s Massive Air Attack

The attack began late at night and continued for hours into the morning. Air raid sirens rang across almost all of Ukraine’s 24 regions. Residents in Kyiv, Lviv, and other major cities were forced to spend long hours in shelters.

According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia used 502 drones and 24 missiles in the attack. Ukrainian defenses were able to shoot down 430 drones and 21 missiles, but some still got through. In total, three missiles and 69 drones managed to hit their targets, causing serious damage to power plants, railway stations, and communication systems.

Ukraine’s energy officials confirmed that parts of the country experienced power cuts as stations were struck. Railway authorities also said four workers in the Kirovohrad region were injured while on duty and were sent to the hospital. Train delays stretched up to seven hours, leaving passengers stranded.

Zelenskyy said the attack was “demonstrative.” By this, he meant Russia carried it out not only to damage infrastructure but also to send a message of strength. He argued that the main reason Russia continues such strikes is because the world has not put enough pressure on its war economy.

Zelenskyy’s Travel and Meetings

Just hours after the strikes, President Zelenskyy began a new diplomatic trip. He first planned to meet leaders from Nordic and Baltic countries, which include Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. These nations have been among Ukraine’s most active supporters, providing weapons, training, and humanitarian help.

After that, Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to France, where he will join a wider meeting with leaders from the European Union and the United States. His main goal is to strengthen what he calls the “coalition of the willing.” This phrase describes a group of countries that are not just supportive in words but are ready to take real action—whether through sanctions, military aid, or direct cooperation.

In his own words, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs its allies to “step up” because every delay costs Ukrainian lives.

NATO’s Role and Promises

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also commented on the situation. He said that during the Paris meeting on Friday—or shortly after—there should be more clarity on security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees are meant to ensure that Ukraine will not be left alone if Russia continues its aggression.

For many Ukrainians, NATO’s role is critical. Even though Ukraine is not officially a NATO member, it has received training, weapons, and defensive support from alliance members. Many citizens hope that one day Ukraine will become a full member of NATO, which would mean a formal defense promise from all allies.

Civilian Impact of the Strikes

For ordinary Ukrainians, the latest air attack was another reminder of how fragile daily life has become. Families in Kyiv reported hiding in basements for hours as explosions lit up the night sky. In Lviv, near the Polish border, residents said they could hear the buzz of drones before anti-air systems shot them down.

Many schools in affected regions were closed for the day, and hospitals had to work with backup power after electricity lines were damaged. Businesses also faced delays, with train disruptions affecting shipments of food, coal, and other goods.

Though Ukraine’s air defenses managed to stop most of the drones and missiles, the sheer number of weapons used in this single attack shows the scale of Russia’s strategy. Military experts believe such large attacks are meant to wear down Ukraine’s air defense systems and exhaust its supply of missiles used to shoot down enemy drones.

Why Zelenskyy Wants More Pressure on Russia

President Zelenskyy has repeatedly argued that the world needs to tighten sanctions on Russia and provide more weapons to Ukraine. In his view, Russia’s war economy is still functioning too strongly because it continues to sell oil, gas, and other products abroad.

• By “pressure,” he means that allies should:
• Block Russia’s access to money and technology needed to build drones and missiles.
• Increase sanctions on industries like energy, metals, and banking.
• Provide Ukraine with more advanced weapons—especially air defense systems, long-range missiles, and modern fighter jets.
• Show unity so Russia cannot divide European countries with trade or political arguments.
• Without these steps, Zelenskyy fears Russia will feel free to continue massive strikes, using them as both a military and psychological weapon.

The Scale of the Challenge

The Ukrainian air force’s ability to shoot down 430 drones in one night shows how effective its defense has become. However, this also shows the heavy strain on Ukraine’s systems. Each missile launched by Ukraine to destroy a drone can cost far more than the drone itself. Over time, this makes defense expensive and difficult to sustain.

Moreover, Ukraine still depends heavily on weapons and financial support from allies. The United States and European countries have together sent billions of dollars in aid, but political debates in these countries sometimes slow down deliveries. Zelenskyy worries that every delay gives Russia more time to plan fresh attacks.

Reactions from Ukrainians

Ordinary people in Ukraine expressed both anger and exhaustion after the latest attack. Many praised the air defense soldiers for their success but also asked when the war would finally end.

A railway worker in central Ukraine, who survived the strikes, said: “We are just trying to do our jobs, but the missiles keep coming. We need stronger protection.”

In Kyiv, a mother of two described the night as terrifying: “My children cried as the sirens kept going. I tried to stay calm, but the explosions shook our windows. How much longer can we live like this?”

These voices show the human side of the war—the constant fear, sleepless nights, and uncertainty about the future.

Looking Ahead

As Zelenskyy meets with leaders in Europe, much will depend on whether allies agree to new steps. The Paris meeting could bring promises of more weapons, tighter sanctions, and long-term security deals. However, reaching agreements in international politics is often slow and complicated.

For now, Ukraine continues to prepare for more strikes. The government has urged citizens to stay alert, follow safety warnings, and be ready for possible power cuts. Emergency teams are repairing damaged railways and energy systems, but rebuilding takes time and money.

The latest Russian air attack shows once again that the war in Ukraine is far from over. With more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles used in one night, the scale of destruction remains enormous.

President Zelenskyy’s message is clear: Ukraine cannot fight this war alone. He is asking his allies to do more, act faster, and stand firmer against Russia. Whether through sanctions, weapons, or political pressure, Zelenskyy believes united action is the only way to protect his people and restore peace.

Air strike on Ukraine