Photo : RTE.ie
Photo : RTE.ie
Air strikes across Kyiv and Kryvyi Rih; President Macron calls for “strong action”
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 06 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s increased assaults showcased insufficient global pressure on Russia. He reported that in the past week, Russia had launched over 1,460 guided bombs, nearly 670 drones, and more than 30 missiles across Ukraine, including several on Kyiv. He stressed that Russia was intending to continue its aggression and called for no relaxation in pressure and urged unified international action to strengthen security and advance peace.
On 06 April, in a report in Ukrinform, Kyiv witnessed a massive missile attack by Russia injuring three and causing fires across non-residential buildings and vehicles.According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv’s air defensce systems countered part of the barrage, but damage and explosions were observed. Simultaneously, in Mykolaiv city, Russia struck residential buildings and launched missiles into the Chernihiv Oblast in northern Ukraine. This comes after a deadly attack on 05 April on Kryvyi Rih city. In response, Zelenskyy ordered Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to intensify bilateral talks, for a new Ramstein-format meeting, and swift delivery of Patriot systems and other air defence hardware. He urged not only accelerated military assistance but also licensing and co-production of defence technologies to boost long-term resilience and security.
On 06 April, Ukrinform reported on Russia’s missile and drone assault on Kyiv and its surrounding regions, resulting in fatalities and widespread damage. In Kyiv's Darnytskyi district, one was killed and three injured. This marked the most extensive attack on the capital, Kyiv including ballistic and cruise missiles launched from strategic bombers and naval vessels, and drones. The assault also caused damage in districts including Brovary, Bucha, and Fastiv, in Kyiv Oblast.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 06 April, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed capturing two Ukrainian villages—Shchebraki in the southern Zaporizhzhia oblast and Panteleimonivka in the eastern Donetsk Oblast as part of its ongoing offensive. The announcement comes amid a massive Russian drone assault, with over 170 drones launched overnight, strikes over Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv. Meanwhile, ceasefire discussions on the Black Sea and energy infrastructure remain stalled, with both sides accusing of obstruction.
On 06 April, Russia’s Defence ministry reported its air defence forces intercepting 11 Ukrainian drones which had targeted the border regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Rostov. According to a statement, debris fell on administrative buildings in Rostov indicating the intense cross-border attacks and heightened military activity, with both Russia and Ukraine targeting strategic infrastructure in each other's territories.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 06 April, French President Emmanuel Macron called for "strong action" against Russia if it continues to reject peace efforts and prolong the war in Ukraine. Posting on X, Macron condemned Russia’s escalating violence and its disregard for civilian lives, following a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people, including nine children. The French president emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, warning that Moscow appears intent on "buying time" rather than negotiating in good faith. His remarks add to growing Western frustration with Russia’s continued aggression and signal a possible shift toward tougher diplomatic or economic measures if no progress is made toward ending the war.
On 06 April, Germany’s government confirmed funding Ukraine’s access to satellite internet provided by France’s Eutelsat. This will be an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink as Europe explores strategic digital infrastructure options. Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke said the company has delivered high-speed service through a German distributor for about a year, with support from the German government, although specific costs stay unrevealed. While fewer than 1,000 Eutelsat terminals are currently in use in Ukraine compared to Starlink’s 50,000, Berneke projected rapid expansion to between 5,000 and 10,000 terminals within weeks. Discussions are ongoing about future European or German funding for the scaled-up service. This comes amid tensions over the possible restriction of Starlink access tied to a US-Ukraine minerals deal and follows Poland’s commitment to funding Starlink terminals.
On 06 April, Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Russia’s recent missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, which killed 20 civilians. It stated that Moscow’s behaviour proved to be not seeking peace but to prolong the war. The statement came after further overnight attacks across Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded by urging the international community to intensify pressure on Russia. Poland emphasised that Russia must be held accountable for the continued attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
References
Felix Tamsut, Kalika Mehta, Tanika Godbole, Wesley Dockery, “Ukraine updates: Kyiv hit by Russian air attacks,” Deutsche Welle, 06 April 2025
“Zelensky orders enhanced coordination with partners on air defense systems, contingents,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2025
“Russian missile strike on Kyiv damages Ukrainian state foreign broadcasting channels,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2025
“Air alert declared in Kyiv and several regions due to ballistic missile threat,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2025
“After Russian missile and drone attack, damage reported in three districts of Kyiv region,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2025
“Germany funds Ukraine's access to satellite internet – Reuters,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2025
“Poland's MFA: Russia's recent actions show it is not ready for peace,” Ukrinform, 06 April 2025