25 Killed in Russian Strike, Zelenskyy Says

Zelenskyy said the latest Russian attack was a combined strike involving many ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and Shahed drones.

According to his account, 25 people were killed and 100 were injured.

He said Ukrainian forces intercepted 44 missiles, including both cruise and ballistic missiles, while electronic warfare and other defenses suppressed 117 Shahed drones.

Zelenskyy said not every missile and drone launched by Russia was stopped, adding that ballistic missiles are particularly difficult to intercept.

Deaths Reported in Pryluky

Zelenskyy separately reported a deadly Russian missile strike on a residential building in Pryluky.

He said 18 deaths had been confirmed, including four children.

According to Zelenskyy, the children killed included three one-year-olds, Oleksandr, Kyrylo and Serhiy and an eight-year-old named Maksym.

He said dozens of people were injured, including seven children, while 15 people were rescued, including one child.

Emergency crews continued searching the rubble for people who had not yet made contact with their families.

Ukraine Calls for More Air Defense

Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs additional air-defense missile packages to protect its cities.

He said Ukrainian air-defense units need missiles available every day because the threat of Russian attacks continues.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is relying on its international partners for faster deliveries of additional air-defense equipment.

Zelenskyy Condemns Russian Attacks

Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberately targeting ordinary Ukrainian cities and civilians.

He said the continued use of missiles against residential areas and children shows what he described as a deliberate policy of terror.

He argued that the latest attacks demonstrate the need for greater international pressure on Russia and additional military support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy Remembers October 7 Attack

While discussing the Russian strikes, Zelenskyy also expressed condolences to Israel and other countries marking the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

He said Ukrainian citizens were among those killed in the attack.

Zelenskyy described the attack as one of the most brutal attacks against Jewish people since the Holocaust and said those responsible should be held accountable.

He also said terrorism and wars driven by hatred should not be forgotten or forgiven.

Call for Peace and Protection of Civilians

Zelenskyy said people around the world deserve peace, security and respect for human life.

He called on world leaders and people with political influence to act when civilian lives are at risk.

He concluded that the world has greater strength than terrorism and urged continued international action to protect civilians.

Key Points

  • Zelenskyy said 25 people were killed and 100 injured in the latest Russian strikes.
  • He said Russia used ballistic and cruise missiles and Shahed drones.
  • Ukraine reported intercepting 44 missiles and suppressing 117 Shahed drones.
  • Zelenskyy said 18 people were killed in a residential building in Pryluky, including four children.
  • Fifteen people were reportedly rescued from the damaged building.
  • Ukraine is requesting additional air-defense missiles from international partners.
  • Zelenskyy condemned attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
  • He also expressed condolences to victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Source: Statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy