Zelenskyy called on partners to strengthen air defense following a massive attack by Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed international partners following yet another nighttime attack by Russia on Ukraine. According to him, the enemy deployed more than 130 attack drones and eight missiles.

The head of state reported civilian casualties in Odesa and the Zaporizhzhia region and called on allies to accelerate the implementation of agreements to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.

The president reported that two people were killed and five others were injured—including three children—as a result of a Russian missile strike on a residential building in Odesa.

“Two people were killed in Odesa as a result of a nighttime Russian missile strike on a residential building. Five more people were injured, including three children. All the victims are receiving the necessary medical care. My condolences go out to their families and loved ones,” Zelenskyy said.

According to him, Russian forces also dropped 15 guided bombs on the Sumy region last night, damaging residential buildings, a library, and other civilian infrastructure. In addition, the Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Kherson, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions came under attack.

The president clarified that, in total, Russia launched more than 130 attack drones and eight missiles at Ukraine overnight. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine expects the prompt implementation of all agreements with its allies regarding defense support.

“It is important that every government institution—and everyone involved in negotiations with partners regarding support for Ukraine’s defense and resilience—act as swiftly and effectively as possible. We must accelerate the implementation of everything agreed upon at the leadership level,” the head of state said.

He emphasized that every new package of military aid has a direct impact on the protection of Ukrainians. “Every defense package right now is not just a number, but concrete resources that protect lives here in Ukraine every day. I thank everyone who is working in this way, and all partners who are helping Ukraine,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

This was reported with reference to a post by the head of state.

Zelenskyy announced a restructuring of Ukrainian embassies.

Ivan Vyhovskyi was dismissed from his post as head of the National Police of Ukraine on July 16. Until a new head is appointed, First Deputy Maksym Tsutsikiridze will serve as acting head.