The skies over Kyiv were shrouded in smoke following a significant assault by Russian forces on June 15. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on June 21 that Russia launched approximately 2,200 attack drones, over 1,800 guided aerial bombs, and 87 various types of missiles against Ukraine within the week.
In a statement on Telegram, Zelensky detailed the devastating impact of these strikes, noting that five individuals lost their lives and 26 were injured in Zaporizhzhia due to Russian bombings. Additionally, two fatalities and 12 injuries, including six children, were reported in Poltava as a result of shelling. He extended his condolences to the families affected by these tragedies.
According to Zelensky, the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, and Rivne were also under fire, with frontline and border communities facing continuous drone attacks.
“It is indeed significant that amidst these assaults, the G7 and European Council summits, as well as the UDCG meetings, yielded productive outcomes and new contributions to bolster our defense. I am grateful to our partners for their unity. It is now crucial to implement these measures swiftly, particularly the supply of air defense missiles, to ensure that these new contributions provide real protection for lives against ongoing Russian strikes. Thank you to all who assist,”
the President added.
Earlier, Zelensky had warned that Russian forces were preparing for a new wave of extensive attacks on Ukraine, urging citizens to heed air raid alerts.
Ukraine has faced a surge in attacks from Russian forces, with significant casualties reported. President Zelensky emphasized the need for enhanced air defense systems in light of the ongoing assaults and international support.