Almost 40 people wounded in the Russian strike on Sumy are still in hospital, including children – 11 of them are in serious condition. Thirty-five people were killed in one Russian strike, and 119 were wounded.
This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his address.
“It was 34 days ago that Ukraine responded positively to the American proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire – all such strikes, as in Sumy, as in Kryvyi Rih, as in Dnipro, as in Kupiansk and Beryslav, as along the entire frontline. And for 34 days now, Russia has blatantly refused to cease fire. Now – just as he has been doing for years – Putin is focused on continuing the war. He is focused on such strikes – on killing,” the President of Ukraine stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russian propagandists are preparing their audience for the idea that negotiations and diplomacy will not work. The reason for this, he said, is that Moscow is not afraid now – and if there is not enough pressure on Russia, they will continue to fight.
“This has become a Russian state habit – to fight against neighbours, export hatred and destroy lives. We all want this to stop. We need peace and it must be lasting. That is why Ukraine has always worked constructively with partners in all formats that can provide security and that can restore peace. We are not just ready for peace quickly – Ukraine did not want a single second of this war, and every day Ukraine protects lives,” the Head of State stressed, reminding that after the attack on Sumy, almost 50 states and international organisations had expressed support for Ukraine.
The Supreme Commander-in-Chief informed that today he had held a meeting with the Staff, where reports on the formation of the corps system were presented. The basis for a security contingent that will maintain peace after this war is also being prepared with partners. Meetings on the contingent are scheduled for this week.