Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted after the Russian missile attack this morning in Kiev.
The missiles hit a populated area with buildings, where several foreign embassies are located, including that of Albania.
Zelensky says this Russian "madness" should not be perceived as something routine, as he calls for increased international pressure on the Kremlin.
Zelensky's message:
I want to thank all the leaders and each of our partners who today expressed their support for Ukraine after another missile attack – a ballistic missile attack on Kiev. Unfortunately, there are casualties and one person has lost his life. My deepest condolences. Residential buildings were damaged, along with St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Diplomatic missions were also affected, as some are located in the same office building: Albania, Argentina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Palestine, Portugal.
This kind of Russian madness should not be perceived by the world as something routine. Daily terror requires ever-increasing pressure on the terrorist. Russia must be held accountable, and even if it is led by a completely unsuitable person, the Russian state must, under pressure, understand what reality is and how that reality can punish international criminals. Stronger sanctions against Russia are needed.
I also want to thank all of Ukraine's partners who are responding to this and other Russian attacks with readiness to provide more air defense systems and weapons capable of protecting us from terrorists.