Zelenskiy Urges Stronger U.S. Air Defenses and Sanctions Amid Escalating Russian Drone Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal in Rome to urge enhanced military support and tougher sanctions against Russia. With Russia ramping up drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities—launching 728 drones in a single night—Zelenskiy emphasized the urgent need to strengthen air defenses, especially through interceptor drone technology.

Zelenskiy warned of Russia’s intent to deploy up to 1,000 drones in one coordinated assault and called for increased U.S. defense supplies and joint weapons production. He noted Ukraine’s readiness to collaborate with Europe to purchase large U.S. defense packages aimed at saving civilian lives.

The Ukrainian leader also confirmed that all necessary political signals for resuming U.S. military aid have been received, following a brief pause last week. Ukraine has secured additional support from Germany and Norway, with Berlin set to purchase two Patriot missile systems and Norway funding another.

In discussions with Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg and the U.S. lawmakers, Zelenskiy supported a new bipartisan bill proposing stricter sanctions on Russia. The legislation includes a 500% tariff on goods from nations that continue to import Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently approved sending defensive weapons to Ukraine and is weighing further sanctions on Moscow, citing frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lack of progress in ending the war.

Zelenskiy stressed that escalating sanctions are crucial to pressuring Russia and its allies, stating, “This is precisely the lever that can bring peace closer and make diplomacy worthwhile.”

The renewed diplomatic push underscores Ukraine’s reliance on Western support as it faces intensifying Russian aggression.