Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the Russian Shahed strike on a park in Nova Vodolaha, Kharkiv region, which killed six people, including children. The president spoke about some of the victims and called on the United States not to lift sanctions on Russia, while urging partners to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
This was stated in a message published after the attack.
“A horrific Russian strike in the Kharkiv region. A Shahed struck practically right at people — at a park near an ordinary cafe. Absolute brutality,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, among those killed was a girl named Anhelina, who was just over one year old. She was born in August 2025 and was in a stroller when the strike occurred.
The girl’s mother, Inna, died in hospital. Another girl who was killed was 11 years old.
Zelenskyy said 14 people were injured, including six children.
Zelenskyy urges allies not to lift sanctions on Russia
The president stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
“We need protection for lives. Ukraine needs air defense. We cannot think about money with Russia while it continues its stupid war,” he said.
Zelenskyy urged that sanctions on Russia not be lifted until the killings stop and also called on the United States to apply the Lindsey Graham law.
“We ask America to be strong, and we ask for the Lindsey Graham law to be applied. We ask Europe to continue its support. We ask for everything possible to be done so that peace comes and security is guaranteed,” the president said.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine wants peace, while Russia continues to insist on prolonging the war.
“The world has enough power to stop the war. It is time to finally use that power — against the killers,” he said.
According to updated information, Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head Oleh Syniehubov reported, six people were killed in Nova Vodolaha — four adults and two children: women aged 28, 34 and 36, a man aged around 40, as well as girls aged 11 and 1.2 years. Fifteen people were injured, including seven children, and all are receiving the necessary medical care.
Earlier, “Glavnoe in Ukraine” reported that the death toll from the Russian strike on Nova Vodolaha had risen to six, including three children. Another 14 people were injured, including six children.
