Zelenskyy says Russia seeking to draw attention to ‘its evil’ at cost of Ukrainian lives

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia is attempting to divert global attention towards “its evil” at the expense of Ukrainian lives during what he described as a difficult geopolitical moment.

Speaking after a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said the timing of the assault was “no coincidence” and suggested the Kremlin was seeking to overshadow US President Donald Trump’s visit to China.

“One of Russia’s longest massive attacks against Ukraine took place precisely while the President of the United States was visiting China — a visit many had been anticipating,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian President added Russia is attempting to damage the broader political climate by intensifying attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

“Throughout the day, Russians have been launching waves of Shahed drones against our regions, especially targeting those closest to the borders of NATO countries,” Zelenskyy stated.

He said strikes had been recorded in the Carpathian region, as well as the Lviv Oblast, Volyn Oblast, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and Rivne Oblast regions, alongside attacks in several other parts of the country.

Zelenskyy said dozens of people had been injured, including children, while six people were confirmed dead. He also expressed condolences to the families of those killed.

“Since the beginning of the day, at least 800 Russian drones have been detected, and the attack is continuing. New drones are still entering our airspace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate warned that Russia had launched a prolonged campaign of strikes against critical infrastructure, energy facilities and government buildings.

The agency added the attacks are expected to come in several consecutive waves involving both drones and missiles, in what officials described as an attempt to exhaust Ukraine’s air defence systems and inflict maximum damage on critical infrastructure.