Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Friday for Russia to be punished following a missile attack on an apartment building in Kiev, where a Russian missile attack killed 24 people, including three children.
The building was hit on Thursday (14) during which Zelensky paid tribute and placed red roses at the site, in addition to speaking with rescue teams.
“Our rescuers… worked non-stop for more than a day,” Zelensky posted on Telegram after visiting the site in Kiev’s Darnytskyi district on the left bank of the Dnipro River.
“The Russians practically leveled an entire section of the building with their missile,” he declared.
Russia launched more than 1,500 drones and dozens of missiles at targets in Ukraine for two consecutive days, according to Ukrainian officials.
Another six people were also in western Ukraine, far from the front line.
“A Russia like this can never be normalized – a Russia that deliberately destroys lives and hopes to remain unpunished. Pressure must be exerted,” he said, reiterating calls on allies to help Ukraine strengthen its air defenses.
The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces carried out massive attacks in Ukraine from May 12 to 15, according to state news agency RIA.
Kiev authorities declared this Friday (15) a day of mourning, with national flags at half-mast throughout the city of 3 million inhabitants. All entertainment activities have been canceled or postponed.
Residents brought flowers, stuffed animals and sweets to a makeshift memorial in the destroyed housing block.
Municipal authorities reported that 24 bodies were recovered and around 30 people were rescued alive. Almost 50 people were injured and around 400 needed psychological support, the ministry said.
“My friend lived on the second floor. They found her at around 7 pm – I don’t remember exactly – together with her husband,” said Tetiana Prudyus, 34, who brought red roses.
“I know a lot of people here… I want to tell you something,” she added, holding back tears. “Even after this, we will not surrender. We are a very strong nation,” he concluded.
