Zelenskyy condemns 'horrific attacks' as Russian strikes kill 11 and wound at least 40 in Ukraine

Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine on Monday, killing at least 11 civilians and injuring 40 others in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "horrific attacks." The strikes targeted infrastructure and residential areas, continuing a pattern of assaults aimed at crippling Ukraine's ability to function and undermining civilian morale.

In the central city of Dnipro, a Russian missile strike on infrastructure killed five people and wounded 29. Southern Zaporizhzhia saw Russian drones hit a passenger minibus, resulting in three deaths and six injuries, including a child. The Sumy region reported two fatalities, an elderly woman and man, from Russian drone attacks. Kharkiv also experienced a daytime strike that killed one person and injured five. Authorities indicated that other deadly attacks occurred in at least six additional regions.

These attacks left some Ukrainian regions without power as grid operator Ukrenergo noted increased electricity use due to hot weather. President Zelenskyy reiterated his urgent plea to European allies for enhanced air defense capabilities, particularly anti-ballistic systems. "People need greater protection from such horrific attacks," Zelenskyy stated. "Above all, we need anti-ballistic capabilities. It is essential that Europe is as active as possible in developing its own anti-ballistic defense – its own systems and missiles."

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukraine's expanding drone strikes on Russian oil facilities have caused fuel shortages and public anger. However, he ruled out concessions to end the invasion, insisting Russia would prevail despite "temporary" setbacks. Western officials observe that Ukraine's innovative drone engineering has given it a military edge, impacting Russian supply lines and slowing their advance.

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People need greater protection from such horrific attacks. Above all, we need anti-ballistic capabilities. It is essential that Europe is as active as possible in developing its own anti-ballistic defense – its own systems and missiles.