Zelenskyy Urges More Air Defense Missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for faster deliveries of air defense missiles after a Russian missile and drone attack killed 25 people and injured 100 others, according to an address published by Ukraine’s presidential office on Oct. 7, 2026. He said 19 of those killed in a strike on a residential building in Pryluky were children.

Zelenskyy said rescue teams continued clearing rubble after what he described as a combined attack involving ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as Shahed drones. He also reported additional drone and aerial bomb attacks during the day and urged world leaders to respond to Russia’s continued strikes.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian forces shot down 44 missiles during the overnight attack and suppressed 117 Shahed drones. He acknowledged that some weapons penetrated Ukrainian defenses, noting that ballistic missiles are particularly difficult to intercept.

The president said Ukraine needed additional air defense systems and missiles, along with reliable delivery schedules from international partners. He also called for stronger sanctions against Russia, arguing that continued oil sales and weakened restrictions reduce the economic pressure on Moscow.