Zelensky Accuses Russia Of War Crimes After Drone Strike Kills Baby, Family
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of committing war crimes after a drone strike killed a one-year-old baby and two other members of the same family in central Ukraine on Thursday night.
The attack, which took place in Pryluky, left a total of five people dead and drew sharp condemnation from Zelensky, who urged the international community to impose maximum sanctions and pressure on Moscow.
The Ukrainian leader said the victims were from three generations of one family and that the tragedy struck while they were in their residential home.
According to Zelensky, “His wife, daughter and one-year-old grandson were killed.”
The firefighter, who was responding to an earlier Russian attack, returned home only for his own house to be hit by another drone, officials confirmed.
Photos released by emergency services showed flames engulfing residential buildings, thick smoke billowing into the night sky, and later, a lone firefighter standing amidst the charred ruins of what was once a home.
“This is yet another reason to impose maximum sanctions and put pressure together,” Zelensky stated.
“Russia is constantly trying to buy time for itself to continue killing. When it does not feel strong enough condemnation and pressure from the world, it kills again.”
He called on the United States, Europe, and other global powers to act decisively in the face of Russia’s continued aggression.
Fighting and aerial assaults have intensified in recent weeks despite peace talks held in Istanbul aimed at ending the three-year war.
In another development, Russia has vowed to respond to a Ukrainian drone strike that reportedly destroyed several Russian nuclear-capable military jets over the weekend.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intentions during a phone call with US President Donald Trump, who also spoke with Zelensky and leaders from France, Germany, Finland, and the EU Commission.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, another drone strike on Kharkiv injured 18 people, including four children, according to Interior Minister Igor Klymenko.
Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, tens of thousands have died, millions displaced, and vast areas of Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions turned to rubble.
AFP
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
