"This choice of targets would be called by one word -- terrorism": Zelenskyy urges stronger sanctions over Russian strikes
President Zelenskyy labels recent Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv as terrorism and calls for immediate global sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a scathing condemnation of recent Russian attacks, labeling the targeting of civilian infrastructure as pure terrorism. Following a devastating wave of strikes that hit residential areas, schools, and even diplomatic residences, Zelenskyy has called upon the international community to move beyond rhetoric and implement aggressive new sanctions to cripple Russia's ability to wage war.
A Devastating Wave of Drone Strikes
The scale of the recent aerial assault has been described as massive. According to Zelenskyy, Russia deployed a total of 277 attack drones over a 24-hour period, with 155 of those being high-speed, jet-powered models. The strikes have left a trail of destruction across several regions, including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Sumy.
The impact on civilian life has been profound and tragic. The President reported that the strikes hit several sensitive locations, including:
- Two kindergartens and two schools.
- An ordinary residential building and an auto repair shop.
- A regional children’s home in the Sumy region.
- A sports school in the Dnipro region.
- A building used as the residence for the Saudi Arabian Ambassador.
- Various warehouses and communication facilities.
"Anywhere in the world, this choice of targets would be called by one word -- terrorism," Zelenskyy stated, noting that the strikes appear designed to inflict maximum harm on Ukrainian society rather than achieve specific military objectives. He confirmed that the attacks resulted in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries.
Exposing Diplomatic Deception
Zelenskyy addressed recent claims from Moscow regarding potential de-escalation, dismissing them as strategic manipulations. He suggested that Russia uses "encouraging diplomatic signals" to mislead international negotiators and buy time for continued aggression.
"If Russia were truly preparing for any real steps toward de-escalation... this wave of ‘shahed’ terror would not be happening," the President remarked. He urged the global community to take a "sober view" of the situation, warning that Russia is simply attempting to delay tough international responses through deceptive diplomacy.
The Push for Global Sanctions
To counter this aggression, Zelenskyy is calling for immediate and decisive action from global partners, specifically highlighting the need for the full implementation of US sanctions legislation. He emphasized that the world needs to act before Russia can further entrench its position.
The Ukrainian President revealed that new, targeted sanction packages are already being prepared. These measures are designed to strike at the heart of the Russian war machine by focusing on:
- Financial Networks: Cutting off the flow of money supporting the war effort.
- Supply Chains: Disrupting the flow of components and equipment used in weapons production.
- Military Producers: Targeting specific companies and individuals involved in the manufacturing of Russian ballistic missiles.
Zelenskyy urged that these new sanctions must take effect as early as October to provide a foundation for real diplomacy and to stop Russia from gaining more time for war. He concluded by calling on members of the G7 and G20 to take a principled and decisive stance against the ongoing terror.