Zelensky Responds to Russian Drone Strikes: 14 Injured and 2 Dead in Zaporizhzhia, Calls for Tougher Sanctions

Ukraine's President Addresses Recent Russian Attacks

According to 5 канал: In response to the latest Russian drone assaults, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported at least 14 people wounded and two fatalities in Zaporizhzhia. These attacks targeted residential areas across several regions including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv. Among the destroyed sites were:

• a kindergarten in Kyiv;
• a lyceum in Kyiv region;
• a university in Kharkiv.

Energy infrastructure also suffered damage in Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia regions.

Appealing for Stronger International Action

Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for a firm global response to Russia's ongoing aggression. He urged then-U.S. President Donald Trump to enforce the Lindsey Graham bill, which targets Russia and its financial backers.

“Our partners must remember that Russian escalation occurs daily. If Russia chooses to intensify its attacks, the world must respond with stronger measures to prevent this war from spreading further.” – Volodymyr Zelensky

Additionally, Zelensky called on European Union leaders President António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen to impose further sanctions.

“We request that all leaders keep Russian oligarchs on existing sanction lists and continue to block any trade with terrorists until Russia ends its war.” – Volodymyr Zelensky

On the night of September 26, Russian forces launched 173 strike drones of various types, including Shahed drones, Gerbera, and decoy drones known as Parodiya. The drones were deployed from multiple locations such as:

• Orel;
• Kursk;
• Millerovo;
• Primorsko-Akhtarsk;
• Shatalovo (Russia);
• Occupied Donetsk;
• Occupied Crimea – Hvardiiske.

These attacks highlight the persistent threat posed by Russian aggression against Ukraine and underscore the critical role of international support in responding effectively. President Zelensky’s calls for enhanced sanctions against Russia and its financial networks reflect Ukraine's urgent need for stronger global assistance, which could be pivotal in the conflict’s trajectory. Meanwhile, the increasing scale of assaults signals a growing danger and instability in the region, demanding immediate and decisive action from the international community.