Zelensky Urges More Pressure on Russia After Mass Drone, Missile Attack

President Volodymyr Zelensky called for increased pressure on Russia after a massive overnight attack involving hundreds of drones and missiles. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press point with Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi after their meeting in Rome on April 15, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, April 16, called for stronger international pressure on Russia following a massive overnight drone and missile attack across multiple Ukrainian cities. “Russia is betting on war, and the response must be to protect lives and increase pressure for peace,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to Zelensky, Russia launched nearly 700 drones over the previous day and night, along with 19 ballistic and cruise missiles, with most ballistic strikes targeting Kyiv. Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 636 drones and some missiles, though not all were shot down. The attack caused damage to residential buildings and resulted in casualties in Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro. Zelensky said at least 100 people were injured and confirmed fatalities, including a 12-year-old child. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The president thanked international partners, including Germany, Norway, and Italy, for new agreements to support Ukraine’s air defense, and said Ukraine is also working with the Netherlands on additional supplies. He added that Ukraine is seeking faster delivery of previously promised systems, including missiles for Patriot air defense systems. “Russia does not deserve any easing of pressure or sanctions,” Zelensky said. Russia launched a combined assault overnight using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, hitting multiple regions including Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa and Kharkiv. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Secures New Aid Pledges at Ramstein, Zelensky Urges Fast Delivery Zelensky says allies pledged fresh aid for drones, air defense, and logistics, stressing delivery timelines are now critical for Ukraine’s battlefield resilience. In Kyiv, at least five people were killed and more than 20 injured, according to the State Emergency Service. Several districts reported damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. In Dnipro, at least two people were killed and dozens injured, while in Odesa, multiple waves of strikes killed eight people and injured more than 10. Ukraine’s Air Force said it tracked more than 700 aerial targets during the attack, including drones and missiles, and intercepted the majority of them. Yuliia Zavadska is a news writer at Kyiv Post. She has experience in breaking news coverage, fact-checking, and digital journalism, with a focus on fast, accurate reporting and clear storytelling. Before joining Kyiv Post, she worked as a news feed editor for several leading Ukrainian media outlets.