Zelensky calls for new sanctions after Russia’s overnight drone and missile attacks on Kyiv

Zelensky urges more sanctions on Russia after overnight attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the to impose new sanctions on Russia to push for a ceasefire. His appeal came after overnight Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv left 15 people injured reports AFP.

In a post on X, Zelensky emphasized global frustration with Russia's actions: "Only additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to cease fire," he said, adding that "the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow."

Fragments of Russian missiles and drones are being cleared in Kyiv. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing at the sites of strikes and debris impacts wherever they are needed. There were many fires and explosions in the city overnight. Once again, residential buildings, pic.twitter.com/F3szA4gCJz

Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 24, 2025

"Fragments of Russian missiles and drones are being cleared in Kyiv. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing at the sites of strikes and debris impacts — wherever they are needed. There were many fires and explosions in the city overnight. Once again, residential buildings, cars, businesses have been damaged. Sadly, there are injuries," Zelenskyy said.

He also claimed that a total of 250 drones struck Ukraine, the absolute majority of them Iranian "Shaheds," and 14 ballistic missiles.

While Ukraine's air force said Saturday that it had downed six ballistic missiles and 245 drones from a massive Russian barrage overnight that was mainly targeted at the capital Kyiv reports AFP.

This came after several days of Ukrainian drone strikes—around 800 in total—targeting sites within Russia, including the capital, Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking on Friday, pledged retaliation and claimed the uptick in drone attacks was “a direct consequence” of European Union backing for Ukraine, following recent visits by EU leaders to Kyiv.

(With agency inputs)