Zelensky Calls on Partners to Increase Pressure on Russia After New Attacks
Following Russian strikes on Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged international partners to step up pressure on Russia, particularly in energy and finance, and to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. The attacks in Sumy killed four people, including a child, and in Zaporizhzhia two.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, July 4, 2026, addressed international partners after Russia launched attacks on several Ukrainian cities. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia to stop what he called "terror."
In Sumy, Russia used guided aerial bombs, hitting a multi-story building in the city center. People may still be trapped under the rubble. Four people were killed, including one child; 27 were injured, among them six children, many with serious wounds.
In Zaporizhzhia, a drone attack killed two people and injured six, including a child. In Kharkiv, an enemy FPV drone caused damage and casualties. Shelling also affected communities in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions.
Zelensky stated that the countries that can influence Russia are the United States, G7 and G20 nations, and Europe. He reminded that Europe has tools to apply pressure – on Russia's energy resources, oil fleet, and financial system. The president called for using these tools and simultaneously strengthening Ukraine's defense, especially air defense systems. He thanked leaders who remain active and do not waste any day.
