Zelenskyy appeals for a 'strong response' after 172 Russian drones strike overnight

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a stronger international response after Russia launched a record-breaking 172 attack drones overnight, killing at least four people and injuring dozens in Dnipro and other Ukrainian cities.
In a video address on social media platform X, Zelenskyy warned that these mass drone assaults, which included over 100 Shahed drones, have become a near-daily occurrence, posing a grave threat not only to Ukrainian civilians but to global diplomatic efforts to end the war.
“Our partners should clearly understand: these strikes are not just attacks on Ukrainian civilians, but also on all international efforts — on the very diplomacy we are trying to use to end this war,” Zelenskyy said.
He further added that it is impossible to ignore hundreds of Shaheds every night.

“We expect a response. We are working toward a response. A strong response is needed — from the US, from Europe, from everyone in the world who has placed their bets on diplomacy. Russia must be forced into peace — only pressure will work.”
The Ukrainian chief also called out Russia over not responding to the US proposal for unconditional ceasefire, “That says a lot. There could already have been a ceasefire — if there had been real pressure on Russia.”
He also expressed gratitude to “partners” who are “pushing the necessary decisions forward — including new sanctions.”
The drone strike on Dnipro left at least four dead and 22 injured, sparking fires that consumed a restaurant complex and several residential buildings. Regional governor Serhiy Lysak described the destruction as “hellish,” adding that 13 people remain hospitalised, including three in serious condition, ABC news reported. The attack also damaged 10 private homes, a high-rise apartment block, and destroyed four houses and dozens of vehicles.
Elsewhere, a ballistic missile strike hit the central city of Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, injuring seven people. None of them sustained serious wounds, according to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the regional military administration.
Ukraine’s air force reported that of the 172 drones launched, 94 were shot down, while 69 reached their targets, hitting Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions.
Zelenskyy also acknowledged the efforts of Ukraine’s emergency response teams. “First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the DSNS of Ukraine, to all our communal services involved after the Russian shelling, to our National Police of Ukraine, to medical workers, to thousands of people every day, every night, on duty, on the protection of life,” he said. He also highlighted the work of nearly 250 personnel in Dnipro alone who were involved in containing the aftermath of the strikes.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry claimed its forces had shot down five Ukrainian drones overnight, offering no comment on the large-scale strikes against Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy had earlier cautioned that Russia is gearing up for a major offensive in the coming weeks. Speaking about ongoing military operations, he stated that Russian forces are targeting Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions in an effort to strengthen their battlefield position before engaging in any meaningful negotiations.
As Ukraine braced for further assaults, Zelenskyy’s appeal highlighted the urgent need for stronger international action to deter Russian aggression.