Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his call for stronger air defence support from allies following fresh Russian attacks that left hundreds of buildings in Kyiv without heating amid freezing temperatures.
The appeal came on Sunday as the Ukrainian capital experienced a second day of severe cold after Russian strikes damaged key energy infrastructure, disrupting heating supply to thousands of residents.
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power and energy facilities since the start of the war nearly four years ago. However, Ukrainian authorities say the current winter has been particularly harsh, with waves of drones and missiles overwhelming air defence systems during periods of intense frost.
Speaking as he arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania, Zelensky said Russia had significantly escalated its aerial assaults in recent days.
“This week alone, the Russians have launched more than 1,700 attack drones, over 1,380 guided aerial bombs, and 69 missiles of various types,” he said.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the scale of the attacks underscored the urgent need for more air defence missiles to protect the country’s skies.
“That is why missiles for air defence systems are needed every day. We are continuing to work with the United States and Europe to ensure stronger protection,” he added.
The bombardments have hit Kyiv particularly hard, forcing large-scale disruptions across the city. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said hundreds of residential buildings were affected.
“As of now, 1,676 high-rise apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heating following the enemy’s attack on January 24,” Klitschko said.
He explained that restoration efforts have been slowed by sub-zero temperatures and continued air strikes, making it difficult for emergency and repair crews to work safely and quickly.
While in Vilnius, Zelensky attended a ceremony marking the 1863 uprising in Poland and Lithuania against Tsarist Russia. The event drew parallels between historical struggles against Russian domination and Ukraine’s ongoing war.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who also attended the ceremony, said the invasion of Ukraine reflected a long-standing pattern in Russian history.
“Whether it was tsarist Russia, Bolshevik Russia, or Vladimir Putin’s Russia, our countries continue to face the same threat from the Russian Federation,” Nawrocki said in his speech.
In his remarks, Zelensky urged European leaders not to take peace and independence for granted, warning that Russia’s war ambitions remain active.
“It is too early for Europe to relax while Russia’s war machine is still operating and while dictators around Europe are not weakening,” he said.
He added that many authoritarian regimes continue to view Europe “as prey.”
Poland and Lithuania remain among Ukraine’s strongest supporters within the European Union and have recently supplied hundreds of generators to help ease the impact of power outages across the country.
Meanwhile, United States-brokered talks involving Russia and Ukraine on a proposed plan to end the war concluded on Saturday without a breakthrough. Despite this, Zelensky described the discussions as “constructive” and confirmed that both sides have agreed to meet again in Abu Dhabi next week.
