**Russia’s Drone Attacks on Ukraine: A Record-Breaking Toll**
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Moscow has unleashed a staggering number of Shahed-type drones at Ukraine. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia has launched an astonishing 28,743 such drones – a record that is particularly disturbing given the recent surge in attacks.
**Iran’s Role and International Accountability**
Speaking before the Dutch Parliament in The Hague, Zelensky emphasized that Russia would not have been able to carry out these drone attacks without significant support from Iran. He also stressed that Ukraine could not have intercepted most of the drones without the help of its international partners. Zelensky called for accountability and emphasized that rules must apply to all – including the Kremlin.
**Zelensky’s Message to Putin**
In his speech, Zelensky delivered a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin: “There is a rule – do not kill. There is a rule – do not treat people like beasts. There is a rule – do not destroy cities and villages. There is a rule – do not sponsor terror. There is a rule – do not steal children.” Zelensky emphasized that if these rules are broken, those responsible will be held accountable.
**Two Key Priorities for Lasting Peace**
To achieve lasting peace, Zelensky outlined two key strategic priorities. First, he called for maximum isolation of Russia, including full political isolation, comprehensive sanctions, and the termination of any cooperation that allows Russia to survive and continue waging war. This includes imposing a $30-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports.
**Closing Loopholes and Blocking Revenue**
Zelensky argued that every loophole that allows Russia to keep going must be closed. He emphasized the need for tough, painful sanctions on Russian oil, with each reduction in revenue bringing peace closer. The most effective step would be imposing a $30-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports.
**Stability in Defense Support**
Second priority, according to Zelensky, is the need for stability in defense support. “Russia must see that Ukraine will not be left alone, and that Europe will not back down.” By taking these steps, Zelensky believes that military plans can become prohibitively expensive for Russia, and their tanker fleet can be fully blocked.
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