Zelensky after overnight attack: Until diplomacy works, Moscow must face more sanctions

According to Ukrinform, the president wrote about this on Telegram.

“Last night, a drone strike on Okhtyrka in the Sumy region injured 14 people. A family with wounded children – 5 months, 4 years, and 6 years old – sought assistance after the attack. In Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, a glide bomb strike damaged five apartment buildings, and at least three people still remain under the rubble. The rescue operation continues. There was also a treacherous strike on a gas distribution station in the Odesa region. Shelling also targeted the Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions. In total, more than 60 drones and a ballistic missile were used,” Zelensky said.

He stressed that these are demonstrative strikes that “only confirm the need to put pressure on Moscow, the need to impose new sanctions and tariffs until diplomacy is fully effective.”

Zelensky thanked all partners helping Ukraine stop Russia’s war.

“Together with the United States, Europe, and all those who seek peace, we are working every day to guarantee security. We need strong security guarantees to ensure a truly reliable and lasting peace,” he said.

Starting at 19:30 on Tuesday, August 19, Russia attacked Ukraine with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, as well as 93 Shahed kamikaze drones and various decoy UAVs launched from different directions. The assault was countered by Ukrainian aircraft, air defense missile units, electronic warfare forces, drone teams, and mobile fire groups.

Preliminary data as of 09:00 on Wednesday, August 20, show that Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted or suppressed one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 62 drones of various types in the north and east of the country. Missile and drone strikes were recorded at 20 locations.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine