Zelensky Urges No Sanctions Relief After Deadly Russian Strike

email: online@newsofbahrain.com 

Kyiv: Volodymyr Zelensky has called for sustained and intensified sanctions against Russia following a large-scale overnight attack that killed at least 16 people and injured around 100 across Ukraine.

In a strong statement, Zelensky said Russia “does not deserve any easing or lifting of sanctions,” stressing that Moscow continues to rely on war. “We must defend lives with all available means, and we must also apply pressure for the sake of peace with the same full force,” he said.

According to Ukrainian authorities, nearly 700 drones along with 19 ballistic missiles were launched, primarily targeting major cities including Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro. The assault, described as one of the largest in recent weeks, struck civilian areas and lasted for hours, stretching from daytime into the night.

Officials said Russia has continued near-daily attacks on civilian infrastructure since the full-scale invasion began over four years ago. The United Nations estimates that more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since the war escalated.

The latest strikes came shortly after Zelensky’s diplomatic trip to Europe, where he sought additional air defense systems amid concerns over dwindling supplies. Kyiv has also warned against easing sanctions on Russian oil, arguing that such moves could help finance Moscow’s war effort.