Zelenskyy reacts after Russian strike hits Chinese vessel in Black Sea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to a Russian strike on a Chinese commercial vessel in Black Sea, the president reports.
As the president emphasized, this night Russia carried out strikes on Dnipro and region for more than six hours. Apartment building was damaged by missile strike, and there was significant destruction of other civilian infrastructure. Energy facilities and residential buildings in region were under attack.
"There were drone hits in Odesa, and one of drones struck vessel belonging to China. Russians could not have failed to know what kind of vessel was at sea," he said.
Zelenskyy noted that destruction was recorded in eight regions of Ukraine overall. At this moment, dozens of injured people across country are known, including children.
President stressed that Russia continues to use ballistic missiles to strike civilian population.
"Russia relies on ballistic missiles to strike people, and that is why we in Europe must do everything so that there is reliable protection against this. Europe must have its own anti-ballistic systems and be self-sufficient against these threats," he said.
Zelenskyy also once again emphasized need for urgent strengthening of Ukrainian air defense.
"We repeat again: we need our own anti-ballistic systems and strengthening of Ukrainian air defense right now. This week is work with partners to strengthen protection of lives. Thanks to everyone already working on this together with Ukraine," the head of state added.
Consequences of May 18 attack
Today, Russia carried out another combined strike on Ukraine. For the attack, Russian forces used Iskander-M ballistic missiles, Iskander-K cruise missiles, as well as more than half thousand drones of various types.
Main strike targeted Dnipropetrovsk region. Series of powerful explosions were heard in Dnipro, and residential neighborhoods of regional center came under attack.
Apartment buildings, private houses, religious institution, higher education institution, enterprise and cars were damaged in city. Eighteen people were injured as result of attack.
Night was also difficult for Odesa. Russian drones hit three residential buildings. One single-story house in Prymorskyi district was completely destroyed.
Facades, roofs and windows in other buildings were damaged. Injured people are known, including 11-year-old boy.
Russian forces also struck Chinese commercial vessel in Black Sea with Shahed drone during overnight attack on May 18.
