Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a passionate speech in Spain, condemning the recent Russian attack on the village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region, which claimed the lives of at least 52 innocent civilians, including a child. Zelenskyy characterized the assault as an act of “absolute evil” that surpassed even the brutality of beasts.
Addressing the international community, Zelenskyy expressed his outrage, stating, “Today, Russian terrorists launched an attack that one can’t even call beastly. Because it would be an insult to beasts. A deliberate missile strike on a village in Kharkiv region, targeting a regular grocery store and a cafe.”
He continued, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the attack, “Russian military personnel couldn’t have been unaware of where they were striking. It was not a blind attack. People had gathered there for a memorial meal, a Christian memorial meal. Who could launch a missile at them? Who? Only absolute evil.”
Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff, Andrii Yermak, and Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that Russian forces had shelled a shop and a café in Hroza around 1:00 p.m., resulting in the tragic loss of civilian lives.
Expressing his condolences to the families affected by this horrific event, President Zelenskyy stated, “Over 50 people have been killed, including a child, a 6-year-old boy. My condolences to all who have lost their loved ones and dear ones. The wounded are receiving the necessary assistance, and I am grateful to everyone who is helping.”
Zelenskyy, resolute in his stance against Russian aggression, declared, “Russian terror must be defeated. And the world has the means to ensure this. The key is unity. The key is believing in freedom and protecting lives.”
In his rallying cry to the international community, he proclaimed, “Today, our main message to the world is: evil cannot prevail. And only now, only in Ukraine, can this principled moral position be maintained. But together, all together!”
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine escalated further with a drone attack on southern regions, including Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 24 out of 29 Iranian-made drones used in the assault.
President Zelenskyy was attending a summit of the European Political Community in Granada, Spain, at the time of the attacks. There, he sought additional assistance from the international body to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and protect Europe from potential Russian aggression.
The European Political Community was established in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, demonstrating a collective commitment to counter the threat posed by Moscow.
In the face of tragedy and adversity, President Zelenskyy’s unwavering resolve serves as a beacon of hope for his nation and a reminder to the world that unity and moral principles must prevail against the darkest forces of evil.
