Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russian strikes demonstrative and cynical at a time when a meeting to end the war is to be held in Washington.
“Everyone seeks dignified peace and true security. And at this very moment, the Russians are attacking Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, the Sumy region, and Odesa, destroying residential buildings and our civilian infrastructure. Russians are deliberately killing people, particularly children,” Zelensky emphasized.
As a result of the strikes on Kharkiv, seven people are known to have been killed, the youngest being a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, and dozens have been injured, including children.
In Zaporizhzhia, 20 people are known to have been injured and three killed as a result of rocket strikes on the city.
There was also a Russian strike on an energy facility in Odesa belonging to an Azerbaijani company.
“The Russian war machine continues to destroy lives despite everything. Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts. That is precisely why we are seeking assistance to put an end to the killings. That is why reliable security guarantees are required. That is why Russia should not be rewarded for its participation in this war. The war must be ended. And it is Moscow that must hear the word: “Stop.”, the president concluded.