‘Zero Real Reaction’: Zelenskyy Frustrated Over Western Response to Russian Attacks on Ukraine

Latest Developments

• Russia Targeting Civilian Infrastructure: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration with the lack of world reaction to Russia’s latest bombardment over the weekend, when a drone and missile barrage killed at least five people and injured more than a dozen others. “Russia is openly trying to destroy our civilian infrastructure right now, ahead of winter — our gas infrastructure, our power generation and transmission,” Zelenskyy said. “Zero real reaction from the world. We will fight so that the world does not remain silent and so that Russia feels the response.” One of the victims was a 15-year-old girl who died with three members of her family in the village of Lapaivka, near Lviv.
• Five-Hour-Long Barrage: The Russian attack lasted five hours and featured approximately 500 drones and 50 missiles, targeting nine regions, including the western city of Lviv. The barrage’s proximity to Ukraine’s western border prompted Poland to scramble fighter jets in case any drones or missiles crossed into its airspace. As the war reaches its fourth winter, Moscow has stepped up its attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid and gas production sites.
• Putin Warns U.S. Against Providing Tomahawk Missiles: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that relations between Moscow and Washington would be seriously damaged should the United States provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukrainian forces. Vice President J.D. Vance said on September 28 that the Trump administration was considering providing the U.S.-built long-range missiles to Ukraine to attack targets deep inside Russia. The Kremlin also proposed extending the 2010 New START arms reduction treaty with the United States for one year despite suspending its participation in 2023.

FDD Expert Response

“President Zelenskyy is right to be frustrated. These Russian attacks are persistent and intentionally target the civilian population and infrastructure. Ukraine has probably absorbed 100 to 200 times more missiles and drones from Russia than Israel has from Iran, and yet President Trump can barely muster up a criticism of Putin. The United States needs to send Ukraine offensive weapons with good intel support and no targeting limitations, in addition to dropping the hammer on all countries receiving Russian shadow fleet fossil fuels — including China — and ratchet up the pain until these countries say ‘enough.’” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“Putin is continuing his unprovoked, massive onslaught against Ukrainians because he has concluded that Washington’s warnings are more rhetoric than action. He is using increasing quantities of drones to try to overwhelm Kyiv’s air defenses, kill Ukrainians, and leave them cold and in the dark this winter. Kyiv is simply asking for the means to defend common interests and counter our common adversary as Ukrainians bravely stand against a Russian bear that is more formidable because of support from China, Iran, and North Korea.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center of Military and Political Power

“So long as Putin conditions a settlement on nonstarter demands, peace will remain elusive. He must be made to realize that neither Ukraine’s military nor Western resolve will falter, while Russia will face ever greater costs the longer the war continues. The United States and its allies should supply Ukraine with long-range missiles that can hit key military-industrial and other sites deep inside Russia. They should also impose tougher sanctions on the Russian economy, particularly its oil revenue.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director

FDD Background and Analysis

“Putin’s psychological warfare against the West has reached another terrifying level,” by Ivana Stradner

“Trump will help Ukraine hit Putin where it hurts — to finally end his bloody war,” by John Hardie

“Oil holds the key to Ukraine war’s end — if Trump plays hardball,” by Richard Goldberg and John Hardie

“Zelenskyy Proposes Joint Air Defense Shield After Russian Incursions Into NATO Airspace,” FDD Flash Brief