Zelenskyy Demands Concrete G7 Response Following Massive Russian Missile Barrage

Speaking at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, President Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Moscow and expanded air defense support after Russia launched a major aerial attack across Ukraine.

Zelenskyy Urges Strategic Action at G7

The scale of the overnight strikes, which involved 70 missiles and 611 drones, demonstrates Moscow’s intent to sustain the conflict. President Zelenskyy urged G7 leaders to provide a decisive response by intensifying pressure on the aggressor and bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, particularly systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

In Kyiv, four people were killed and 28 injured, while the city continues to deal with the aftermath of more than 60 missiles aimed at the capital. In Kharkiv, Russian forces targeted rescue workers extinguishing a fire at a business; nine people were injured and five were killed in the strikes.

Cultural Heritage Under Fire

One of the targets included the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a historic site of Orthodox Christianity, where a strike ignited the roof of the Dormition Cathedral. President Zelenskyy condemned the incident as one of the most severe Russian attacks on Christian cultural heritage. State emergency services successfully extinguished the fire.

Regional Strikes and Diplomatic Efforts

Russian attacks extended to the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Mykolaiv regions. In Dnipro, infrastructure including a railway station, an educational facility, and a business enterprise were hit.

The G7 Summit and International Strategy

French daily Le Monde reports that European leaders aim to coordinate a joint stance with Donald Trump regarding Ukraine during the summit. Macron reportedly hopes to refocus Washington’s attention on the conflict, with Zelenskyy expected to arrive on Tuesday seeking a meeting with Trump.

Diplomatic Negotiations and Ceasefire Proposals

France, Germany, and the UK are reportedly conducting back-channel efforts to restart diplomatic processes. Le Monde suggests these nations are pushing for a ceasefire based on current front lines. These attacks follow discussions between Zelenskyy and Trump regarding the war, with the Kremlin noting that the U.S. president also held talks with Vladimir Putin.