Russia on Friday launched a massive missile barrage against Ukraine early Friday, targeting critical energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The attack involved 93 missiles, including cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as nearly 200 drones, in what he described as one of the largest strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector to date.
“Another Russian missile strike against Ukraine. Cruise missiles, ballistic missiles. According to preliminary reports, 93 missiles were launched, including at least one North Korean missile. A total of 81 missiles were shot down, 11 of which were cruise missiles intercepted by our F-16s. Additionally, the Russians used nearly 200 drones in this attack. This was one of the largest strikes targeting our energy infrastructure,” Zelenskyy posted on X.
The Ukrainian leader sharply criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling his approach a “peace plan to destroy everything.” Zelenskyy urged the international community to respond with strength, stating, “Putin won’t be stopped by empty talk—strength is what is needed to bring peace. Strength that is not afraid of its ability to confront and stop evil.”
He also appealed for enhanced Western support, including air defence systems and stricter sanctions against Moscow, to counter Russia’s aggression. “Sanctions against Russia for the war must be strengthened to genuinely impact Russia’s missile production,” he said.
Zelenskyy stressed the need for a decisive global reaction, saying, “The world can stop this madness, and to do so, it must first stop the madness in Moscow that has been ordering terror for over 20 years.”