Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the European Union (EU) to speed up work on a new package of sanctions against Russia following overnight attacks that killed at least four people and injured more than 30 across Ukraine.
In a statement on April 24, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces carried out sustained overnight aerial strikes on multiple cities and regions, using attack drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, with most of the strikes hitting civilian areas.
In Dnipro, a residential building was damaged, leaving 11 people hospitalized as emergency services continued search and rescue operations amid concerns that others may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Zelenskyy said casualties were also reported in the Chernihiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv regions, and confirmed that four people were killed in the attacks.
“Most targets were civilian infrastructure,” Zelenskyy said, citing damage to residential buildings, energy facilities, and businesses. He sent his condolences to the families of those killed.
Also Read: Norway Backs Ukraine Against Putin, Supports Zelensky With €9 Billion Defense Aid Package
Zelenskyy Call for Air Defense Support and Sanctions
Zelenskyy said the attacks underscore the need for faster action by Ukraine’s partners, including the rapid strengthening of air defenses.
He welcomed the political decisions made during meetings in Cyprus on Thursday, April 24, in which several European countries agreed to provide additional support through the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative.
The NATO‑coordinated program is used to finance and deliver urgently needed U.S.-made defense equipment to Ukraine, particularly air defense systems and missiles. Zelenskyy said these commitments must be implemented without delay.
The Ukrainian president also urged the EU to fasttrack works on a 21st package of sanctions against Russia. He warned that delays in finalizing the 20th package, which was adopted on April 23 after months of blockage, had given Moscow additional time to adapt its military operations.
“We are already in contact with the EU team regarding possible new sanctions steps,” Zelenskyy said. “The key objective is to significantly limit the capabilities of Russia’s military‑industrial complex.”
The 20th sanctions package includes expanded restrictions on Russia’s energy revenues, financial services, trade, and entities linked to weapons production.
The appeal comes days after the EU adopted its 20th round of sanctions against Moscow.
It also introduced new measures to prevent sanctions circumvention and laid the groundwork for possible future steps involving maritime services for Russian oil shipments, in coordination with the G7.
Also Read: Ukraine Set for Fresh $60bn NATO Boost Alongside €90bn EU Loan
Strikes Follow Pattern of Sustained Overnight Aerial Attacks
The latest strikes follow a continued pattern of large‑scale Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, often carried out overnight and combining drones with various types of missiles.
Zelenskyy’s renewed push for sanctions comes as the EU resolves internal divisions that had delayed earlier measures.
The 20th package was held up for months due to objections from Hungary and Slovakia before being approved.
At the same time, the EU unlocked a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine to support its financial stability and defense needs through 2026–2027.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, along with member states including Estonia, has said that preparations are already underway for additional sanctions to close loopholes and limit Russia’s ability to adapt to existing restrictions.
Ukraine says further sanctions should focus on weakening Russia’s military‑industrial base by restricting access to technology, equipment, financing, and supply chains used to produce weapons.
