Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticised the United States following a series of Russian attacks that killed more than 70 people over two days, arguing that Washington is not doing enough to help Kyiv counter Moscow's continued assault.
The remarks came after a devastating strike on the eastern city of Kramatorsk, where a Russian aerial attack hit civilian buses and other locations, causing one of the deadliest single incidents in Ukraine this year.
Ukrainian authorities said the latest wave of attacks formed part of a broader Russian assault that has struck cities and towns across the country, leaving dozens dead and hundreds wounded.
Speaking after the attacks, Zelenskyy renewed his call for expanded military and technological support from Washington, particularly access to satellite capabilities that could help Ukraine identify and target Russian missile launch sites.
“Open Starlink for Ukraine. You did open it when you were responding to Iran,” Zelenskyy said.
“Give it to us, help us defend our skies and dominate there. And then Putin will sit down at the negotiating table.”
The Ukrainian leader argued that stronger support would help Ukraine counter Russia's growing missile and drone campaign, which has intensified as the war enters its fifth year.
Zelenskyy's comments also reflected growing frustration in Kyiv over what Ukrainian officials see as contradictory U.S. messaging towards Moscow.
Responding to recent remarks from U.S. officials describing the conflict as being at an impasse, Zelenskyy dismissed suggestions that the war had reached a stalemate.
“So where's the truth here, where's the honesty? Where's the stalemate? That's called unwillingness,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also questioned efforts to maintain discussions with Russia while continuing diplomatic attempts to end the conflict.
“One cannot, on the one hand, negotiate with the Russians about future economic projects, whilst on the other hand say that we find ourselves in some sort of diplomatic stalemate,” he added.
The criticism came as Ukraine faced another round of large-scale attacks.
Officials said dozens of civilians were killed or injured in strikes across several regions, including the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Ivano-Frankivsk areas. Kyiv also came under renewed attack, causing casualties and damage to energy and water infrastructure.
Images released by Ukrainian authorities showed destroyed vehicles, damaged buildings and emergency crews working through debris in affected areas.
Local officials accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian locations and public transportation. Moscow has consistently denied intentionally striking civilians.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian negotiators would soon hold talks with U.S. officials and would press for stronger sanctions against Russia and additional air defence capabilities.
He also expressed hope that European partners would participate in discussions aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defensive capabilities as Russian missile and drone attacks continue.
According to Ukrainian officials, the country's air defence network remains under constant pressure as Russia expands attacks on cities, energy facilities and infrastructure ahead of the winter season.
Despite diplomatic contacts between Russia, Ukraine and Western governments, the latest attacks underscored the continuing intensity of the conflict.
While Ukraine has sought to regain momentum on the battlefield, Russia has increasingly relied on long-range missiles, drones and guided bombs to strike targets far from the front lines.
For Zelenskyy, the growing civilian death toll serves as evidence that stronger international backing remains essential.
“Help us defend our skies,” he said, repeating his appeal for greater support as Ukraine confronts a renewed wave of Russian attacks.
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Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 29 October 2026, exploring five global flashpoints where diplomatic efforts are colliding with growing military threats, from renewed hopes for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine to warnings of wider instability in Africa and Asia.
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