Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called late on Saturday for a “strong response” from Western partners as Russia ramped up lethal attacks, including airstrikes on a military hospital in Kharkiv and cities like Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih.
“Our partners must understand clearly: These attacks are not just assaults on Ukrainian civilians, but also on all international efforts – on the very diplomacy we are trying to use to end this war,” Zelensky said in his daily video address.
“Russia is targeting the positions of all those who want to end this war. It is impossible to ignore the hundreds of Shahed drones every night,” he added, referring to Iranian-made drones.
“We expect a response – a serious response. We are working on a response. We urgently need a strong response – above all, from the United States, from Europe, from all around the world who have bet on diplomacy. Russia must be forced to accept peace – only pressure will work,” he concluded.
