On July 13, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s escalating military actions, referring to them as a terror campaign aimed at intimidating Ukrainian civilians. In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy highlighted the significant increase in Russian attacks over the preceding week, revealing that more than 1,800 drones, over 1,200 guided bombs, and 83 missiles were launched against Ukraine. This marked a particularly brutal week, as Kyiv had previously reported a heavy barrage of aeroballistic and cruise missiles that further amplified the civilian toll.
The Russian defense ministry has claimed notable territorial gains in the renewed offensive, especially in the Donbas region, asserting control over villages such as Mykolaiv and Mirne. Currently, Moscow holds just over two-thirds of the Donetsk region, including its namesake city and surrounding areas. Despite these claims, the Ukrainian government has not confirmed the extent of Russian advancements, focusing instead on the resilience of its defensive systems against the barrage of assaults.
Zelenskyy noted the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defenses in mitigating the impacts of these attacks. He revealed that the air defense forces had successfully intercepted numerous Russian drone strikes aimed at civilian targets, particularly highlighting the success of interceptor drones in shooting down hundreds of Iranian-made “shaheds” over the past week. This illustrates a critical aspect of Ukraine’s defensive strategy amid the ongoing conflict, reinforcing its commitment to protecting its citizens from aerial threats.
Zelenskyy expressed his dedication to further enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and emphasized the need for advanced interception technology. He mentioned that discussions with international partners were focused on scaling up this technology, underscoring the importance of global collaboration in strengthening Ukraine’s defenses. His gratitude extended to allies who are willing to invest in the protection of Ukrainian lives and support the country’s war efforts.
In his plea to international allies, Zelenskyy urged for increased pressure on Moscow to engage in negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict that has now persisted for nearly four years. He posited that dismantling military threats, notably the “shaheds,” is crucial to paving the way toward potential diplomacy and peace talks, thus highlighting the interconnection between military strength and diplomatic avenues.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy acknowledged the unwavering support from Ukraine’s allies, including European nations, the G7, and the United States. In a recent announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a new weapons package would be dispatched to Ukraine, to be delivered through NATO intermediaries. This shipment includes much-sought-after Patriot air defense systems, a vital asset for Ukraine given their effectiveness in countering aerial assaults, thus reinforcing the international commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression.
