KEY TAKEAWAYS

• President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is working to increase ballistic missile production.
• He argued that many companies supplying Russia’s missile industry remain outside international sanctions.
• Zelensky called for stronger restrictions targeting manufacturers of missile and drone components.
• His remarks followed another week of intensive Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday that Russia is expanding its ballistic missile production capacity, arguing that insufficient international sanctions continue to allow companies involved in weapons manufacturing to support Moscow’s war effort. The statement comes after another week of heavy missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities.

Zelensky Calls for Tougher Sanctions

In a statement published on social media, Zelensky said Russia continues investing heavily in the production of ballistic missiles while numerous companies manufacturing components for missiles, drones, and guided aerial bombs remain unsanctioned.

According to the president, closing these gaps would make it more difficult for Russia to sustain large-scale missile attacks against Ukraine.

He urged Ukraine’s international partners to strengthen sanctions targeting companies involved in Russia’s military-industrial supply chains.

Attacks Continue Across Ukraine

Zelensky’s remarks followed a week of intensified Russian aerial attacks.

According to figures cited by the president, Russia launched nearly 1,900 drones, almost 1,600 guided aerial bombs, and 144 missiles of various types over the past week.

The continued use of ballistic missiles has become one of Ukraine’s greatest security concerns because these weapons are significantly more difficult to intercept than drones or many cruise missiles.

Pressure on Air Defenses

Recent large-scale attacks have renewed discussions about Ukraine’s need for additional Patriot interceptor missiles and other advanced air-defense systems.

Ukrainian officials argue that expanding Russia’s missile production could increase the frequency of future attacks unless stronger defensive capabilities and tighter sanctions are introduced simultaneously.

International Focus on Defense Production

Western governments have already imposed extensive sanctions on Russia’s defense sector, but Ukraine continues advocating for broader restrictions covering suppliers of electronic components, industrial equipment, and technologies used in missile production.

Officials say limiting access to these components could slow Russia’s ability to replenish its stockpiles over the long term.