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Russia does not deserve any softening or lifting of global sanctions, as it continues to bet on war.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a post on Telegram.
“Another night that proves Russia does not deserve any easing of global policy or lifting of sanctions. Russia is betting on war, and that must be the response — we must protect lives with all available means and apply pressure for peace with all available means,” Zelensky said.
He thanked Germany, Norway, and Italy for agreements already reached on supporting Ukraine’s air defense, and said work is ongoing with the Netherlands on additional supplies.
In the morning, the president received a report from the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force.
According to Zelensky, Russia launched nearly 700 drones over the day and night of April 15–16, as well as 19 ballistic missiles and other cruise missiles, most of the ballistic weapons targeting Kyiv.
He said Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down 636 drones and some missiles, but not all. There were strikes on residential buildings, and casualties were reported in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro, including a 12-year-old boy.
Zelensky stressed that there can be no normalization of Russia’s actions and that pressure on Moscow must continue, along with timely delivery of all pledged assistance from partners.
The massive attack caused hits in 26 locations across Ukraine, with the highest damage reported in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa.
