Russia's Drone Attacks on Ukraine: A Call for Accountability

Strategic Insights -

President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Dutch Parliament in The Hague on June 24, stressing that Russia's drone attacks on Ukraine would not be possible without support from Iran. He emphasized that international norms, from the UN Charter to Europe's shared vision of life, dictate that Russia must be held accountable for its actions. Zelensky outlined two key priorities to achieve lasting peace: maximum isolation of Russia through full political isolation, comprehensive sanctions, and termination of any cooperation that allows Russia to survive and continue waging war, and stability in defense support to ensure Ukraine is not left alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • Russia has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, with 2,736 (9.5%) fired in June 2025 alone.
  • President Zelensky stated that Russia would not have been able to carry out such drone attacks without support from Iran.
  • Ukraine could not have intercepted most of the drones without the help of its international partners.
  • Zelensky called for maximum isolation of Russia, including full political isolation, comprehensive sanctions, and termination of any cooperation that allows Russia to survive and continue waging war.
  • The President emphasized the need for stability in defense support, ensuring Ukraine is not left alone.
  • Zelensky proposed imposing a $30-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports to prevent Russia from launching future military operations against Europe and the Alliance.
  • The President stated that military plans must become prohibitively expensive for Russia, and fully blocking their tanker fleet and cutting them off from international banking is key.

Statistics:

  • 28,743 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia at Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.
  • 2,736 drones (9.5%) fired in June 2025 alone.
  • Series of key priorities to achieve lasting peace: maximum isolation of Russia and stability in defense support.

Sources:

  • President Volodymyr Zelensky, Speech to the Dutch Parliament in The Hague (June 24)