Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday urged world leaders to take stronger actions against Russia following what he described as “brazen attacks” by Moscow on Kyiv, as Russia fired at least
810 drones and 13 missiles in a new record, according to the Ukrainian air force.
In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said Russia was deliberately trying to inflict pain on Ukraine and testing the international community’s resolve.
He stressed that statements of support must be backed by concrete measures, including harsher sanctions, tariffs, and restrictions on trade with Russia.
The Ukrainian leader also underscored the importance of boosting Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, saying Moscow was not interested in negotiations and should face mounting economic pressure.
“It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks,” Zelenskyy wrote in an X post.
“This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world – whether they will accept or tolerate this,” he added.
“That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia,” the Ukrainian President wrote in a series of posts.
“Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing,” he added.
“Equally important – our long-range capabilities. Putin does not want negotiations, he is clearly hiding from them, so Russia’s fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders’ level,” Zelenskyy wrote.
In a video message on X, Zelenskyy acknowledged the damage in Ukraine due to the Russian strikes and said more than 40 people were reported injured, while he extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack.
“It is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with Russia, tough tariffs, and other restrictions on trade with Russia,” the Ukrainian President said.
It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world – whether they will accept or tolerate this. pic.twitter.com/X2vGTgnDTX
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025
As Russian missiles and drones rained down across Ukraine early Sunday, killing four people and setting government offices in the capital Kyiv ablaze, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia, after the Kremlin unleashed its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine.
Trump told reporters after the assault that he was “not happy with the whole situation” and said he was prepared to move forward on new sanctions on Moscow.
After Sunday’s attack on Kyiv, flames could be seen rising from the roof of the sprawling government complex that houses Ukraine’s cabinet of ministers in the heart of the city, the first time it has been hit during the three-and-a-half-year conflict.
Drone strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings in the Ukrainian capital, according to emergency services.
However, Russia denied targeting civilians in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko posted a video showing a damaged floor in the government building.
“We will restore the buildings,” she said.
“But we cannot bring back lost lives. The enemy terrorises and kills our people every day throughout the country,” she added.
Macron was among European leaders who condemned the attack, posting on X that Russia was “locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror”.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the attacks as “cowardly” while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen accused the Kremlin of “mocking diplomacy”.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington might slap tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil.
“The Russian economy will be in full collapse. And that will bring President (Vladimir) Putin to the table,” Bessent told NBC television.
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