Zelenskyy vows retaliation as civilian casualties rise in eastern Ukraine

Ukraine has been facing intensified military assaults from Russia, particularly in the eastern regions, as of July 26, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported significant civilian casualties due to ongoing artillery strikes and drone attacks in multiple areas, including major cities like Sumy and Dnipro. The conflict has led to increasing destruction in cities that were once populated, with facilities such as energy infrastructure being closely targeted in the region. Russian forces have claimed victories with the capture of the villages Zeleniy Hai and Malyivka, despite Ukraine's lack of immediate comment on these assertions. Concurrently, Russian military activity in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities among civilians, with reports confirming at least several casualties, including a 66-year-old man in the Nikopol region. The local administrations have urged residents to evacuate in response to the dangers posed by approaching Russian forces. In a public address, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Russia's escalated attacks might reflect retaliation against Ukraine's proposed cease-fire, emphasizing the compounded toll on civilian lives as Russian military efforts continue unabated. He has also urged government officials to secure more external funding for drone technology, indicating a push to bolster Ukraine’s defensive as well as offensive military capabilities. Furthermore, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine has secured funding for three Patriot missile defense systems from the United States, while negotiations are ongoing for an additional seven. This strategic move underscores Ukraine's commitment to augmenting its defense against Russian advances as international support remains crucial for sustaining its military efforts amidst the ongoing conflict.