President Volodymyr Zelensky, reacting to Russia's unprecedented airstrikes on 7/9, urged a broad response from Ukraine's partners. "A strong reaction from the US is essential," he said.

When asked about further sanctions against Russia, US President Donald Trump told reporters, "Yes, I'm ready," but offered no further details. He mentioned an upcoming call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the arrival of European leaders on 8/9 or 9/9 to discuss the conflict.

While expressing displeasure with the attacks, President Trump reiterated his confidence in a swift resolution.

Russia has not yet commented.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Uzhgorod, Ukraine on 5/9. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Uzhgorod, Ukraine on 5/9. Photo: AFP

Ukraine's Air Force Command reported Russia launched 810 suicide and decoy drones, 9 Iskander-K cruise missiles, and 4 Iskander-M ballistic missiles on the morning of 7/9. Air defense units intercepted 747 drones and 4 Iskander-K missiles. However, 9 missiles and 54 drones hit 33 locations, with debris falling in 8 other areas.

Ukrainian officials accused Russia of targeting a government building in Kiev's Pechersky district.

Russia's Ministry of Defense denied striking targets within Kiev, claiming they hit a long-range drone assembly and deployment facility, the Kiev-67 industrial plant west of Kiev, the STS-Group logistics base south of Kiev, and military airfields in central, southern, and eastern Ukraine.

President Trump has expressed disappointment with Russia since his summit with President Putin in Alaska last month, but hasn't imposed harsher sanctions on Moscow.

On 3/9, President Putin called US efforts to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict a "light at the end of the tunnel," but said the outcome depended on the situation on the ground. He warned, "If no solution is reached, we will have to complete our objectives by military force."

Nguyen Tien (AFP, AP, Reuters)