Zelensky urges Trump to tighten sanctions, send Patriots

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Donald Trump to impose crippling sanctions on Russia and supply additional interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems following a large-scale strike on energy assets.

Zelensky stated that Russian forces launched 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 attack drones against critical infrastructure across Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and Kharkiv overnight.

The assault left approximately 600,000 residents without electricity, damaging 26 power-generating facilities and four oil and gas infrastructure sites, alongside causing casualties. Accusing Moscow of torpedoing de-escalation prospects, Zelensky cited a sanctions bill championed by US Senator Lindsey Graham and urged Washington and European allies to sustain decisive military backing.