Zelenskyy slams Russian latest massive strikes as attempt to prolong war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken to Telegram to condemn the latest Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities as a deliberate crime by the Kremlin and an attempt to prolong the war. 

“Such killings, at a time when real diplomacy could have long begun, are a deliberate crime and a way to drag out the war,” Zelenskyy said, per Caliber.Az.

The president reminded that Washington had repeatedly warned of possible sanctions if Russia refused to engage in negotiations. He also emphasised the need to implement all agreements reached in Paris.

Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air defence systems, noting that every additional system “saves civilians from these vile attacks.”

“The world can make the Kremlin criminals stop killing; all it takes is political will. Thank you to everyone who is helping,” he added.

The attacks involved a record 810 unmanned aerial vehicles, predominantly Shahed strike drones, accompanied by missile strikes, according to the Ukrainian Air Forces. In total, 823 aerial attack targets were detected by the Air Force’s radio-technical troops. The drones were launched from locations in Russia—including Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk—and from Gvardeyskoye and Chauda in Crimea.

In addition, nine Iskander-K cruise missiles were fired from the Kursk region, while four ballistic missiles (Iskander-M/KN-23) were launched from Crimea.

Casualties were reported, including a child, and the attack is ongoing, with several drones still in Ukrainian airspace.

By Khagan Isayev