Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased sanctions on Russia after he claimed that Ukraine was targeted by 103 Shahed drones and over 600 drone strikes last week, along with several guided aerial bombs and missiles. According to Zelenskyy, these attacks involved over 50,000 components sourced from around the world.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated, “Almost every day, we defend our skies against Russian missiles and drones. Just last night, Ukraine was attacked by 103 Shahed drones, which contained 8,755 foreign-made components. Over the past week, Russia has used more than 630 strike drones, approximately 740 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 50 missiles of various types – totaling over 50,000 sanctioned components sourced from around the world.”
He emphasized that sanctions pressure on foreign supply chains remains insufficient, adding, “Russia continues to acquire the components and manufacturing tools it needs- almost globally – and uses them in the weapons it employs to terrorize Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy urged continued collaboration with Ukraine’s international partners on sanctions, air defence systems, long-range weapons, and support for Ukrainian soldiers. “These priorities will help protect our cities, villages, and positions on the frontline. I am grateful to every partner helping us with this,” he concluded his post.
The post included a video showing the areas of Ukraine that were attacked during the previous week, including Kiev, Chernihiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. The video reiterated the president’s call for increased support and air defence for Ukraine.
Almost every day, we defend our skies against Russian missiles and drones. Just last night, Ukraine was attacked by 103 Shahed drones, which contained 8,755 foreign-made components. Over the past week, Russia has used more than 630 strike drones, approximately 740 guided aerial… pic.twitter.com/BGoIdMyVd1
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 5, 2025
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden announced additional security assistance to support Ukraine’s critical security and defence needs. The US Department of Defence released a statement regarding the package, which includes authorization for a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) valued at USD 1.25 billion. This will provide Ukraine with additional capabilities, including missiles for air defence, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons.
In a post on X, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “As part of the surge in security assistance for Ukraine that President Biden announced in September, the United States is providing USD 1.25 billion in weapons and equipment today for Ukraine’s self-defence. The United States and more than 50 nations stand united with Ukraine.”
