Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the United States to continue providing air defense support after Russia launched another large-scale wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said that assistance from Washington, particularly missiles for Patriot air defense systems, is “absolutely necessary” as Ukraine struggles to defend itself from repeated Russian strikes. He also called on European countries to develop stronger anti-ballistic defense capabilities, warning that Moscow will continue its attacks if Ukraine is not better protected.
His comments came after a major Russian barrage early Tuesday that killed at least 13 people and injured around 100 others. According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones during the attack. Ukrainian forces said they intercepted 602 drones and 40 missiles, but ballistic missiles remain one of the country’s biggest challenges.
Kyiv had warned in recent days that Russia was preparing another major attack. Zelenskyy previously urged Ukrainians to respond to air raid sirens, go to shelters and “protect your lives.”
Ukrainian officials said the latest strikes show that Russia is relying heavily on aerial attacks as the war continues with no clear path toward peace. Foreign Minister Andrii Shyiiba accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using “terror” because Moscow is failing to achieve its goals on the battlefield.
Russia, meanwhile, said it had carried out strikes using hypersonic missiles and claimed it was targeting Ukraine’s military-industrial facilities. Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, despite frequent attacks hitting residential areas and infrastructure.
The latest escalation follows a brief three-day ceasefire agreed by Kyiv and Moscow last month with U.S. mediation. Both sides accused each other of violations, and the renewed strikes have further weakened hopes for a longer pause in the fighting.
According to an AFP analysis cited by Euronews, Russia launched a record 8,150 long-range drones at Ukraine in May, a 24% increase from April. Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted about 90% of incoming drones and missiles during the month, but Kyiv says it still needs more advanced systems to counter ballistic threats.
