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Zelenskyy reacts to Russian strikes on Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih

Zelenskyy reacts to Russian strikes on Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)

Countries of the West must increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to force him to cease military aggression and terror through shelling of civilian targets in Ukraine. The policy of appeasement only encourages the Kremlin to escalate further, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that on Monday, October 28, a Russian airstrike caused significant damage to the Derzhprom building in Kharkiv, which is one of the most renowned examples of constructivist architecture in the world.

The head of state added that the State Industry House (Derzhprom) in Kharkiv is currently under temporary enhanced protection by UNESCO.

"In Kryvyi Rih, a Russian missile struck a residential building, causing a fire. Many other Ukrainian cities and communities are facing shelling this evening," Zelenskyy stated.

In this context, the head of state emphasized the need for the international community to increase pressure on the Russian President to stop the terror against Ukraine. He reiterated the fallacy of the policy of appeasement towards aggressors, which only encourages further escalation.

"Every handshake with the war criminal Putin adds to his confidence. Every friendly smile convinces him that his crimes can go unpunished," Zelenskyy noted.

According to him, instead of courting the Kremlin leader, it is essential to force him to peace through our collective determination.

"Appeasement never brings peace - it only fuels the aggressor's appetite. Instead, we must isolate the aggressor and increase pressure on him until he stops the terror. Upholding common principles saves lives and cultural heritage. Ignoring them brings death and destruction," Zelenskyy's statement emphasized.

Additionally, the Ukrainian president shared photos showing the aftermath of Russian airstrikes on Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih on October 28.

Consequences of Russian strikes on Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih on October 28 (photo: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)

Russian strikes on Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih

Earlier reports indicate that around 9 p.m. Kyiv time on Monday, October 28, Russian forces struck Kharkiv with guided aerial bombs (KABs), targeting the city’s central area in the Shevchenkivskyi district.

As a result of the attack, a medical facility and administrative buildings were damaged, including the iconic Derzhprom building, a national landmark.

According to the latest updates, eight people were injured in the attack on Kharkiv, including a police officer.

Additionally, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile at Kryvyi Rih on the same day. According to recent reports, one man was killed in the attack, and the number of injured has risen to 12.

Local authorities noted extensive damage to nearby buildings, with shattered windows and balconies. An emergency rescue operation is ongoing.