The President of Ukraine has called on international partners to significantly increase pressure on Russia,
arguing that only sustained global action can force Moscow to comply with diplomatic requests and engage seriously in peace negotiations.
In a national address delivered on Tuesday,
the president said Ukraine was dealing with the aftermath of one of the largest Russian-
aerial assaults since the start of the war.
The attack involved a record number of ballistic and cruise missiles,
alongside hundreds of drones,
many of which targeted critical energy infrastructure during extreme winter conditions.
According to Ukrainian authorities,
air defense systems managed to intercept some of the incoming missiles,
but several strikes caused damage across multiple regions.
The most severe impacts were reported in Kyiv and its surrounding areas,
Kharkiv and nearby cities, as well as central regions including Dnipro, Vinnytsia, and parts of Chernivtsi.
Emergency crews and energy workers remain engaged in restoration efforts nationwide.
The president emphasized that local and regional authorities must act without delay,
stressing that there is no time for bureaucracy while civilians face freezing temperatures and power disruptions.
He also urged partners to accelerate military and technical assistance,
particularly advanced air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
During the address, the president referenced a recent visit by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte,
who toured a missile-damaged power facility.
Both leaders agreed on the urgency of reinforcing Ukraine’s air defenses and expanding international support mechanisms,
including initiatives that allow rapid procurement of weapons from the United States.
The Ukrainian leader criticized Russia for ignoring appeals from Washington to halt strikes on energy infrastructure during ongoing diplomatic efforts.
He noted that the latest attacks came only days after such requests were made,
raising serious doubts about Russia’s credibility in any negotiations.
Calling for concrete action,
the president urged the U.S. Congress to advance new sanctions legislation
and encouraged European –
partners to take tougher measures against Russian oil exports.
He suggested that confiscating both oil tankers and cargoes used to finance the war would significantly weaken Russia’s ability to continue its military campaign.
The address also highlighted the human cost of the conflict. In Zaporizhzhia, a drone strike killed two civilians aged 18, while cities including Kharkiv, Kyiv, Dnipro, and communities in Donetsk and Kherson regions remain under constant attack.
The president warned that peace cannot be achieved if only Ukraine is expected to make concessions. He insisted that Russia, as the initiator of the war, must take the first steps toward de-escalation by ending its aggression.
Despite the ongoing crisis, the government has expanded winter support programs.
Millions of Ukrainians have already received financial assistance,
while new initiatives have been launched to support small businesses, provide generators and fuel, and distribute emergency heating kits in the hardest-hit regions.
The address concluded with a message of gratitude to emergency –
workers, energy crews,
and public servants working to protect lives during the winter emergency,
reaffirming Ukraine’s determination to endure and defend its people.
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