Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an urgent appeal to international partners for additional air defence systems and ammunition, warning that Russia has sharply intensified its aerial attacks across the country in recent days.
In a statement on Friday, December 5, 2025, Zelensky said Ukrainian emergency services are responding almost every day and every night to the aftermath of Russian strikes targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure.
He noted a significant escalation this week, reporting that Russia had launched more than 1,600 attack drones, around 1,200 guided aerial bombs and nearly 70 missiles of various types.
“The primary targets of these strikes are infrastructure that keeps everyday life going,” Zelensky said, adding that the scale and frequency of the assaults are straining Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
He confirmed that Russia carried out yet another large attack on Friday, deploying over 240 drones and five ballistic missiles across multiple regions.
According to Zelensky, the latest strike caused damage in seven regions and resulted in civilian casualties. Among those killed were residents of Slovyansk and the Chernihiv region.
“Tragically, people were killed in Slovyansk and in the Chernihiv region. My condolences to the families and loved ones,” he said.
The president stressed that Ukraine is intensifying diplomatic engagements to secure stronger and faster military support from allied nations.
He said bolstering Ukraine’s air defence remains the top priority as the country braces for further strikes.
“We continue working with our partners to ensure that, in response to these attacks, our defences grow stronger. The priority is clear: more air defence systems and missiles, and more support for our defenders,” Zelensky said.
“Every agreement must be implemented faster.”
He expressed gratitude to countries that have continued to supply weapons, financial assistance and humanitarian aid.
“I thank everyone who is working to support Ukraine,” he added.
Zelensky’s remarks come at a time when Ukrainian officials are warning of potential shortages in air defence interceptors as Russia steps up drone and missile campaigns during the winter season, aiming to cripple energy infrastructure and disrupt daily life.
The renewed appeal underscores Kyiv’s concern that without accelerated international support, the country’s air defences could become overstretched amid escalating attacks.
