Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned a new wave of Russian attacks, saying drones struck a university in Kyiv while classes were under way and caused injuries and damage in several other regions.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said 160 students were inside the university when Russian Shahed drones hit the building.
“Today, Russian ‘shaheds’ struck one of the universities in Kyiv – right during classes. Fortunately, the students were in the shelter – 160 students,” he said.
He reported further strikes overnight. “Overnight, the Russians struck Odesa. An ordinary residential building and city infrastructure were damaged. Five people were injured, including a child. In Kherson, the Russians struck a building used by first responders and police.”
In the Kharkiv region, he said, thousands of people were left without electricity and there were injuries. Air-raid alerts continued across many areas because of the threat of jet-powered drones and aerial bombs.
Zelenskyy criticised what he described as an inadequate international response to the latest escalation.
“Unfortunately, there has been far too little response from the world and its most influential leaders to this latest Russian escalation of strikes.”
He argued that Russia’s sustained use of Iranian-designed Shahed drones should not be treated as a problem for Ukraine alone.
“When Russian-Iranian ‘shaheds’ are waging this kind of round-the-clock terror in Europe, it cannot remain a problem for our country alone,” Zelenskyy said. “Every such strike against Ukrainians, every such use of ‘shaheds’ and other weapons against our cities and villages is effectively Russia practicing tactics that it is preparing for other countries and other peoples as well.”
Calling for immediate action, he said: “Now is the time to act. Evil must be stopped the moment it rears its head.”
Zelenskyy urged partners to provide stronger air defence systems, impose tougher sanctions on Russia and significantly increase defence production.
“Absolutely clear and decisive steps are needed to pressure Russia for this and to help Ukraine. Every partner knows what is needed: air defense for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and a significant increase in defense production. I thank everyone who is truly helping!”
