Zelensky demands action as Russian strikes hit seven Kyiv districts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Monday, June 10, 2025, voiced strong criticism toward U.S. President Donald Trump and the broader international community, urging immediate and decisive action in response to a massive Russian assault on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

This call for “concrete actions” rather than “silence” came after Russia launched one of the most intense attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the beginning of the war, striking seven out of Kyiv’s ten districts, The Guardian reports.

The assault occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when Russia fired 316 drones and seven missiles across Ukraine.

While attacks hit several regions—including Odesa in the southeast, where two civilians were killed, the capital bore the brunt of the offensive.

The barrage stretched over five hours and appeared to be a retaliatory move by the Kremlin following Ukraine’s recent Operation Spiderweb.

The Operation Spiderweb reportedly targeted Russian nuclear-capable bombers the previous week.

Just a day earlier, Russia had already unleashed a record 419 drones in a separate night-time assault.

In the latest wave, Ukraine’s air defenses managed to shoot down seven missiles and 213 drones.

An additional 64 drones were reportedly jammed or disappeared from radar, likely intercepted by Ukraine’s electronic warfare systems.

President Zelenskyy used his Telegram channel to express frustration over the muted international response, particularly the indecisiveness of Trump and others regarding tougher sanctions on Russia.

He emphasized that the escalation in Russian attacks was outpacing diplomatic efforts to reach peace. “

Russian strikes with missiles and Shaheds are louder than the efforts of the United States and others in the world to force Russia to peace,” Zelenskyy said.

“Instead of a ceasefire, there have been massive strikes with Shaheds, cruise missiles, and ballistics. Today was one of the largest strikes on Kyiv.”

According to Zelenskyy, 250 of the drones used were Iranian-made Shaheds, and two of the seven missiles were reportedly manufactured in North Korea.

He condemned the attack on civilian infrastructure, noting damage to homes and urban facilities, including a maternity hospital in Odesa.

Thirteen people were injured in the assault, and fatalities were reported. Zelenskyy offered condolences to the families of those killed and reiterated that international silence was not an acceptable response.

“It is important that the response to this and other similar Russian strikes is not the silence of the world but concrete actions,” he said.

He called for the United States to use its global influence to pressure Russia into peace and urged Europe and other countries to act decisively.

In Kyiv, the drone attacks caused widespread destruction.

Local authorities advised residents to shelter in bunkers throughout the night as the sounds of drones and explosions echoed across the city.

On Tuesday morning, the streets were littered with the remains of destroyed cars and charred buildings.

Authorities warned of dangerous air quality due to lingering smoke and advised people to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activities.

Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military district, described the night as “difficult for all of us,” noting that Russian drones had relentlessly targeted civilian infrastructure and non-combatants.

In response to the continued attacks, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, urged for immediate and stronger sanctions against Russia.

“Russia rejects any meaningful peace efforts and must face new, devastating sanctions.

“Already now. There is no more time to wait,” he said.

Odesa also suffered significant damage.

Ten drone strikes injured nine people and killed two, including a 59-year-old man.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that a maternity hospital, an emergency medical ward, and several residential buildings were damaged in the strikes.

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, echoed the president’s condemnation.

He accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian sites while claiming to seek peace.

“Russian attacks on civilian targets continue.

“Russia lies every day about wanting peace and every day it targets civilians,” Yermak said.

The scale and intensity of the attacks underscore Russia’s continued aggression.

It has also reportedly fueled Ukrainian demands for more robust international support, including military aid, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure to force Russia into meaningful peace negotiations.

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