Ask For More Supply From The Allies, President Zelensky: Russia's Aggression Can Only Be Stopped With Medium Weapons

President Volodymyr Zelensky received a presentation from the commander of the Ukrainian troops. (Source: President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - Russia has stepped up efforts to break through Ukraine's defenses with fierce fighting on the east front, underscoring Kyiv's need for more Western weapons, Ukrainian officials said on Friday.

The Ukrainian military said heavy fighting was ongoing, a day after Russian missiles and drones killed at least 11 people who appeared to be responses to Western countries' pledges to supply Ukraine with tanks.

After weeks of pressure from allies, Germany and the United States have promised dozens of main combat tanks (MBT) such as Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams to Ukraine to help push back Russian troops, paving the way for Canada, Poland, Finland, Norway and others to make their own promises.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked allies for their support, but again called for tougher sanctions against Moscow, explaining his country needed more weapons to repel the invaders.

"This crime, this Russian aggression can and must be stopped with only adequate weapons. Terrorist countries will understand nothing more," President Zelensky said in his evening televised address on Thursday.

"Weapons on the battlefield. Weapons that protect our skies. New sanctions against Russia are political and economic weapons," he said.

The Ukrainian military said it had shot down 47 of 59 Russian missiles on Thursday. Russia also launched 37 airstrikes, 17 of which were Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. All drones were shot down, the Ukrainian military said.

Eleven people were killed and 11 others injured in drone and missile attacks, which covered several areas, also damaged dozens of buildings, a State Emergency Service spokesman said.

"The fierce fighting continues along the front lines. Our defenders firmly defend their positions and cause harm to the enemy," said Synehubov, governor of northeastern Kharkiv.

Separately, Oleksandr Musiyenko, head of Ukraine's Military and Strategic Research Center, said Russia was sending more reinforcements to block Ukraine's progress.

"Most of them sent infantry and artillery troops to the battlefield, most of which consisted of military service. But they do not have the level of artillery and tank support as they had on February 24," Musiyenko told Ukrainian television.

"They have fewer resources. They rely on the advantages of their troop numbers," he said.

The Russian invasion has killed thousands of civilians, overthrew millions of people and turned cities into rubble.