KIEV (dpa-AFX) – After the Russian attacks on the port city of Odessa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj addressed words of gratitude to his own people and international allies. “I thank everyone who is with Odessa,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address on Sunday evening, recognizing the achievements of the volunteer rescuers, doctors and local authorities in the city in the south of the country. “It’s very important to help each other and our city!” he added.
Russia launched another massive attack on the Ukrainian city of Odessa on the Black Sea over the weekend. According to Ukrainian information, at least one person was killed on Sunday night and 22 others were injured. The old town, classified as a World Heritage Site, and the Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral were also hit.
The attack sparked numerous international reactions. The EU condemned the attacks on the port city, through which grain was until recently exported, as a war crime. Pope Francis included Odessa in a prayer for peace on Sunday. Representatives of the USA, Great Britain, Italy and France also expressed their condolences. “It is heartbreaking to follow the scenes of destruction in Odessa,” Moldovan President Maia Sandu tweeted.
Zelenskyj also found words of praise for NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the quick reaction of the new NATO-Ukraine Council on Sunday evening. At the request of Ukraine, Stoltenberg called a meeting of the new council for Wednesday. This new structure for cooperation between NATO and Ukraine was established at the recent NATO summit in Vilnius./ash/DP/zb