Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his appeal to Western allies for additional Patriot air defence interceptors following a deadly wave of Russian missile and drone attacks, stressing that advanced anti-ballistic missiles should be used to protect civilians rather than remain unused in military stockpiles.
In his nightly address on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Russia had launched a large-scale aerial assault involving 35 missiles, most of them ballistic, along with nearly 190 drones of various types. According to the Ukrainian leader, the attacks primarily targeted the capital, Kyiv, while also striking critical infrastructure in nearby municipalities, including Brovary and Vyshneve.
The strikes caused significant damage and casualties, with at least nine people killed and 40 others injured in the Kyiv region alone. Emergency services continued rescue and recovery operations as authorities assessed the full extent of the destruction.
Addressing Ukraine's international partners, Zelenskyy urged the United States and European nations to take swift political decisions to strengthen Ukraine's air defence capabilities, arguing that delays only provide Russia with more opportunities to target civilians.
"Of course, we see every leader and every country that responds. But the only strong and just response—the one that truly achieves its goal and helps people—is additional support for us here in Ukraine, for our people, for our state," Zelenskyy said in remarks shared on X.
"The world has Patriot missiles. What matters now is for our partners to make the political decision—the decision to provide the necessary packages. The United States knows what we need. Europe knows what we need. Anti-ballistic missiles must protect people—not sit in stockpiles. Every day without this vital assistance gives Russia another chance to kill our people," he added.
The Ukrainian president warned that Russia continues to refine its methods of aerial warfare, including the increasing use of jet-powered Shahed drones, which are capable of travelling faster and pose greater challenges for air defence systems. He argued that the prolonged conflict has allowed Moscow to develop new technologies and tactics that could eventually threaten security beyond Ukraine's borders.
Zelenskyy also described the wider security situation across the country, saying Russian attacks continued in several regions outside the capital. He reported frequent first-person-view (FPV) drone strikes and artillery bombardments in Kherson, Mykolaiv, and the Dnipro region, including the cities of Nikopol and Marhanets. Additional missile and drone strikes damaged an apartment building in Odesa and hit communities in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Sumy, leaving dozens more civilians injured.
Alongside his appeal for additional air defence systems, Zelenskyy called for tougher international sanctions aimed at weakening Russia's military-industrial complex. He urged partner countries to target individuals, companies, and supply networks involved in the production of Russian ballistic missiles, launch systems, and related components.
The Ukrainian leader also pointed to what he described as enforcement gaps within the sanctions regimes of the G7 countries. He called on allies to tighten restrictions on sectors supporting Russia's oil refining capacity and fuel industry, arguing that limiting energy revenues would reduce Moscow's ability to finance its military campaign.
"There are still gaps in the G7 jurisdictions. Our diplomats need to work on that. The fuel sector—everything helping Russia restore its oil refining capacity right now—must absolutely be stopped. We'll also be discussing this with Ukraine's ambassadors. We need real results in every area: weapons for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia," Zelenskyy said.
The president said he had held discussions with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's representative to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya, and senior official Pavlo Palisa to coordinate upcoming diplomatic engagements with the United States and other international partners.
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"I expect the coming weeks won't be for nothing. America knows how to be effective," Zelenskyy said, adding that he had also received military briefings on frontline operations and the supply of equipment to Ukrainian forces.
In addition to his consultations with Ukrainian officials, Zelenskyy said he spoke with the President of the United Arab Emirates about strengthening security cooperation in Europe and the Black Sea region. The discussions focused on protecting maritime trade routes and safeguarding global food supplies, which continue to be affected by the ongoing conflict.
Highlighting Ukraine's broader international role, Zelenskyy said the country remains committed to supporting partners that have stood by Kyiv throughout the war. "Ukraine always helps those who help us. This year, Ukrainians have made a significant contribution to the security of our partners in the Gulf region," he said.
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