In a statement posted on social media platform X, Zelenskyy said southern regions, particularly Odesa, bore the brunt of the assaults.
Kyiv [Ukraine], December 22, 2025, BNN Web Staff — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia carried out an intense wave of attacks over the past week, launching around 1,300 attack drones, close to 1,200 guided aerial bombs and nine missiles at targets across Ukraine.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Zelenskyy said southern regions, particularly Odesa, bore the brunt of the assaults. He added that emergency and restoration services are continuing efforts to stabilise affected areas and restore essential services.
“Russia continues its terror using drones, guided bombs and missiles. The Odesa region and southern Ukraine were hit especially hard,” Zelenskyy said, noting that Ukraine is responding through military, diplomatic and economic measures.
The Ukrainian President also highlighted fresh international support, announcing that the European Council has approved a €90 billion financial security package for Ukraine for 2026–27. He further acknowledged additional assistance from Norway and Japan, along with a new agreement with Portugal for the joint production of maritime drones.
According to Ukrainian authorities, a Russian strike on Friday night in the Odesa region killed at least eight people and injured 27 others. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said a missile hit port infrastructure in the town of Pivdenne. Odesa has reportedly faced sustained attacks over the last nine days, leading to power outages in the city and nearby areas.
Zelenskyy also said that Ukrainian and US negotiating teams are continuing discussions aimed at ending the war. He stressed that sustained international pressure and long-range sanctions on Russia are necessary to make diplomacy effective.
“Sanctions are working as they should. The aggressor must realise that war brings no benefit and ultimately turns back on those who start it,” he said, calling for stronger defence capabilities to support peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Russia indicated progress in parallel discussions with the United States. Kirill Dmitriev, Special Envoy of the Russian President and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said talks being held in Miami are proceeding in a constructive manner and are expected to continue through the weekend.
The meetings reportedly include Dmitriev, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. The talks are taking place as Ukraine urges Washington to intensify pressure on Moscow to bring an end to the conflict.
