- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of using drones to attack civilians and medics.
- He urges the U.S., EU, and international partners to enact stronger secondary sanctions.
- Ukraine is preparing for the exchange of 1,200 captured individuals with Russia.
- Sanctions have been enacted against captains of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
- Zelensky emphasizes coordinated international sanctions to increase pressure on Moscow.
The Big Picture
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Sunday of carrying out deliberate attacks against civilians, first responders, and medics along the front line. In a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter), he painted a grim picture of widespread Russian drone strikes targeting anyone within reach in Ukrainian cities and communities.
What’s New
“Russia is hunting civilians all along the entire front line. The killing of people. The killing of children,” Zelensky said, adding that Russia’s forces are deliberately using FPV drones to target emergency personnel who arrive to help victims of earlier strikes.
The Ukrainian leader called for tougher international action, including secondary sanctions on Russia’s energy exports and its banking system. He emphasized that the global community has the tools to stop these attacks and protect Ukrainian lives — but warned that inaction leads to more deaths every day.
Efforts to Bring Captives Home
In an earlier post on X, Zelensky revealed that efforts are underway to prepare an exchange of 1,200 Ukrainian captives currently held by Russian forces. National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov reportedly led the communication with the Russian side.
Zelensky reiterated his commitment to bringing home all Ukrainians in captivity, whether military or civilian. “We must bring everyone home – no matter how difficult it may be,” he said.
Coordinated Sanctions and U.S. Support
According to Zelensky, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office, briefed him on discussions with American officials and reaffirmed Washington’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. Zelensky expressed gratitude, but also highlighted the importance of applying real pressure that forces Russia to feel the cost of prolonging the war.
On the sanctions front, Ukraine has enacted the first of three new sanctions packages. The initial measures target captains of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” used to circumvent global energy restrictions. Zelensky added that Ukrainian sanctions will be synchronized with partner decisions starting next week, ensuring a unified global front against Moscow’s war economy.
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