Russia has launched another violent series of attacks on Ukraine, killing at least 16 people, including a 12-year-old boy, and wounding another hundred. The raids targeted the country’s main cities, the capital Kiev, Kharkiv, Odessa, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia. The night just passed “has shown that Russia does not deserve any easing or lifting of sanctions” writes President Volodymyr Zelensky on his social media profiles.
Zelensky’s post: “We must defend lives with all available means”
The Ukrainian leader announced that Moscow launched 700 drones on Thursday alone, but the attacks continued into the night with ballistic and cruise missiles. Zelensky reports damage to residential buildings and casualties in Odessa, Kiev and Dnipro.
“Russia is aiming for war – he writes –, and the response must be exactly this: we must defend lives with all available means, and we must also apply pressure for the sake of peace with the same total force. I am grateful to those around the world who work with us in this way and who help Ukraine in a timely and comprehensive manner, fully aware that every act of support truly counts in saving lives.”
“I thank Germany, Norway and Italy – adds Zelebsky in the post -, with whom we have already reached new agreements on support for our air defense. We are working with the Netherlands for additional supplies”.
Another night has proven that Russia does not deserve any easing of global policy or lifting of sanctions. Russia is betting on war, and the response must be exactly that: we must defend lives with all available means, and we must also apply pressure for the sake of peace with… pic.twitter.com/jHsZjsgXt9
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 16, 2026