‘Such a Russia Can Never Be Normalized,’ Zelensky Says After Kyiv Strike Kills 24 as Rescue Work Ends
AI Analysis
A Russian missile strike on a Kyiv residential building resulted in 24 fatalities and 48 injuries, prompting President Zelensky to call for increased international pressure on Russia and enhanced air defense support for Ukraine. Zelensky specifically referenced the NATO Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program for acquiring US weaponry. The attack utilized a Kh-101 cruise missile, causing significant structural damage.
Key Takeaways
- Russian Kh-101 cruise missile struck a residential building in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district.
- 24 people were killed, including 3 children, and 48 were injured.
- Zelensky reiterated the need for stronger air defense systems and referenced the PURL program.
- Search and rescue operations lasted over 28 hours, clearing 3,000 cubic meters of debris.
- Zelensky stated that 'such a Russia can never be normalized' and must be held accountable.
Why It Matters
This attack highlights the continued vulnerability of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure to Russian strikes and underscores the urgent need for improved air defense capabilities. Zelensky’s specific mention of PURL signals a prioritization of US-supplied advanced weaponry, particularly air defense systems, to counter Russian missile attacks. The incident will likely galvanize further international support for Ukraine, but also reinforces the challenges of protecting civilian populations in active conflict zones.
A search-and-rescue operation has been completed in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district following a Russian strike on a residential building that killed 24 people, Ukrainian officials said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said rescuers from the State Emergency Service (DSNS) worked “non-stop for over 24 hours,” adding that the Russian missile “practically demolished an entire entrance” of the building.
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He confirmed that 24 people were killed, including three children.
“My condolences to their families and loved ones. All those who were injured and lost their homes should be provided with the necessary assistance,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Authorities said 48 people were injured in the attack, including two children.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said the search and rescue operation lasted more than 28 hours. During the operation, rescuers cleared over 3,000 cubic meters (around 106,000 cubic feet) of debris from the destroyed structure.
He added that nearly 400 people received psychological assistance from DSNS and National Police specialists at the scene.
Emergency crews have now moved on to recovery and cleanup work. Kyiv has declared a Day of Mourning for the victims of the May 14 strike.
“This is a heavy loss for the city and for the entire country. Eternal memory to the dead,” Klymenko wrote.
Zelensky said continued pressure on Russia is essential, stressing that “such a Russia can never be normalized” and must be held accountable for attacks on civilians.
He also reiterated the need for stronger air defense systems, thanking partners supporting Ukraine’s anti-ballistic capabilities.
“I thank the partners who continue to invest in PURL and develop our anti-ballistic coalition. All this must be implemented. I am grateful to everyone who did not remain silent and condemned this cruel strike,” Zelensky added, referring to NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program to help Kyiv purchase advanced US weaponry.
Zelensky later posted photos, saying he had commemorated the victims at the site of the residential building destroyed by a Russian missile strike.
“The world must remember the price Ukraine pays every day to prevent Russian aggression from spreading to other nations. A bright memory to each and every one whose life was taken by Russia,” he wrote.
Officials said the attack involved a Kh-101 cruise missile, which directly struck a nine-story residential building, causing the collapse of one of its sections. Zelensky has instructed the Ukrainian military to prepare a response using all necessary resources.
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