Zelensky appeals for Western aid after 900 bombs dropped in a week

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western partners on Sunday to provide swift aid to help fight off Russia's invasion following his whistle-stop visit to Germany and other European countries.

"Time must not be wasted – a clear signal of resolve must be sent," Zelensky posted on X.

"Our partners have the ability to provide the necessary quantity and quality of air defense systems, make decisions for our sufficient long-range capabilities, and ensure the timely delivery of defensive aid to our troops," he added.

Zelensky said the Russians had dropped around 900 glide bombs over Ukraine in the last week, in addition to attacks with 40 missiles and 400 strikes with drones of various types. He released a video of the damage caused.

Overnight drone attacks

On Sunday alone, the Ukrainian air defence said it had downed 31 Russian drones. In total, there had been 68 overnight drone attacks and several missile strikes. No information on possible damage is available.

Last week, Zelensky visited Rome, Paris and London, and met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. During this European tour he promoted his so-called "victory plan," which has not yet been made public.

It is clear, however, that Ukraine is demanding the provision of long-range weapons from the West for strikes against military targets deep in the Russian hinterland. Additionally, Kiev wants a concrete invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.

The country is under increasing military pressure due to the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 2022 and has since been waging a destructive war.