Attack on Ukraine: Zelenskyy responds and issues statement on Russia’s disregard

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to a new Russian attack on the country in the early hours of May 1. He called for pressure on Russia, noting that it had been ignoring the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire for over 50 days.

The Head of State wrote about this online.

“In Odesa, debris clearance is still ongoing at a building struck by a Russian drone. There were many fires in the city overnight. In total, Odesa was attacked by 21 drones. Unfortunately, there are killed people. My condolences to the families and friends of the victims. All those affected are receiving the necessary assistance,” Zelenskyy’s post read.

He noted that the Russian attack also targeted Odesa, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, and Kropyvnytskyi regions overnight. Emergency services are still battling a fire in Kharkiv region. In total, Russian forces launched 170 drones across Ukraine that night, over 100 of which were “Shaheds.”

“For over 50 days, Russia has ignored the U.S. proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. We have made proposals as well — at the very least, halting strikes on civilian infrastructure and ensuring lasting calm in the air, at sea, and on land. Russia responds to all of this with new shelling and new assaults,” the Ukrainian President stated.

He emphasized the need for a tangible push in diplomacy.

“Further pressure on Russia is needed to force it into silence and negotiations. The more effectively sanctions are applied, the more incentives Russia will have to end the war. The stronger Ukraine’s defenses and air defense forces are, the more lives we can save, and the sooner we can guarantee lasting security,” Zelenskyy’s statement read.