President Zelensky urges tougher sanctions after wave of Russian strikes

In a stark message posted on his official social platform, President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest series of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. He detailed the loss of two lives in Kharkiv after a high‑rise residential tower was hit, and reported injuries in Odesa, Pavlohrad and other regions, including four children. Zelensky stressed that Russia’s relentless use of ballistic missiles—56 of the 61 missiles launched this week—combined with over 1,540 aerial bombs, reveals an intent to destabilise civilian life. He appealed for intensified economic sanctions that would cripple Russia’s armament capabilities and called for increased air‑defence assistance to protect Ukrainian citizens.