Zelensky stated that Russia is increasing its output of ballistic missiles. He pointed out that many Russian companies making parts for these weapons have not been hit by Western sanctions. Recently, Russia launched around 1,900 drones, 1,600 guided aerial bombs, and 144 missiles against Ukraine.
An attack on Kyiv overnight on Aug. 1 killed nine and injured over 30.
Zelensky called for full pressure on all parts of Russia's defense industry. He said more and stricter sanctions would help lower the number of attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
Kyiv has faced repeated ballistic missile strikes from Russia during the spring and summer of 2026. These attacks aim to break Ukraine's overwhelmed air defenses and target homes and cultural landmarks.
Missiles like Zircon and Iskander are especially dangerous because they are hard to stop. The only proven defense is the Patriot system, but Ukraine has no more interceptors left.
U.S. President Donald Trump had said he would give Ukraine permission to make its own Patriot missiles. But he later took back the offer just before the most recent Kyiv strike.
