Day: April 16, 2026

Another night has proven that Russia does not deserve any easing of global policy or lifting of sanctions. Russia is betting on war, and the response must be exactly that: we must defend lives with all available means, and we must also apply pressure for the sake of peace with the same full force. I am grateful to those in the world who work with us in this way and who help Ukraine in a timely and comprehensive manner, fully aware that every act of support truly matters for saving lives. I thank Germany, Norway, and Italy, with whom we have already reached new agreements on supporting our air defense. We are working with the Netherlands on additional supplies.

In the morning, I received a report from the Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Nearly 700 Russian drones were launched over the previous day, into the evening, and throughout the night. There were also missiles – 19 ballistic ones, as well as cruise missiles during the night. Most of the ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv. 636 drones and some of the missiles were shot down. Unfortunately, not all. There were hits and damage to ordinary residential buildings. Tragically, there are fatalities in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. Among those killed is a boy – he was 12 years old. My condolences to the families and loved ones. As of now, 100 people are reported wounded as a result of this single massive Russian attack.

There can be no normalization of Russia as it is today. Pressure on Russia must work. And it is important to fulfill every promise of assistance to Ukraine on time. There are many political commitments by partners that have already been announced but not yet implemented – including within the Ramstein format and on a bilateral basis. I have instructed the Commander of the Air Forces to contact those partners who earlier committed to providing missiles for Patriot and other systems. I expect a report on the results.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@ZelenskyyUa) Apr 16, 2026

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”C.S. Lewis

The combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to April 16, 2026.

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) Apr 16, 2026