Six victims of Sydney terror attack had Ukrainian roots, Zelenskyy says
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The sides discussed the supply of missiles for Ukrainian air defense and the terror attack at Bondi Beach, where Ukrainians were among those killed, Zelenskyy reported.
"The prime minister promised to help, and I am very grateful for that. Air defense missiles are needed every day, just as support for our defense is needed every day," the president said.
Zelenskyy also reported that he personally expressed condolences to the Australian prime minister over the terror attack at Bondi Beach, which took place in Sydney during Hanukkah celebrations in December. Ukrainians were among those killed.
"I personally expressed condolences to the prime minister over the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last month. Six of the victims were of Ukrainian origin. Our solidarity goes out to all the relatives and loved ones of those affected," he said.
On December 14, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Bondi Beach in the Australian city of Sydney during an event marking the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The attack was carried out by two Pakistanis, a father and son. The father was shot dead during detention, while the other terrorist, 24-year-old Navid Akram, was charged with 59 counts, including murder and terrorism.
As a result of the attack, 16 people were killed, including citizens of Ukrainian origin. Among the dead was Ukrainian emigrant Alex Kleitman, a Holocaust survivor who had lived in the country for nearly 60 years. Uzhhorod native Tibor Vitsen was also killed, along with four other Ukrainians.
Everything known about the brazen terrorist antisemitic attack, which became the second deadliest mass shooting in Australia, is detailed in an RBC-Ukraine report.
