«Absolute perversion»: Zelenskyy reacts to massive Russian attack
The scale of the attack clearly shows that Russia has no intention of ending the war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy / © Associated Press / © Associated Press
Russia carried out massive strikes across Ukraine throughout March 24, from night until evening, primarily using «Shahed"-type combat drones. The attacks lasted from overnight until evening and also included missile strikes, followed by new waves of drones during the day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address.
More than 550 drones of various types were used during the day, with Ukrainian air defenses shooting down more than 500 aerial targets, he said.
Despite air defense efforts, hits were recorded in several regions, including Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Consequences of Russia’s March 24 attack
There were fatalities. As of the evening of March 24, more than 40 people were reported injured, including five children. All the wounded are receiving medical assistance.
«Unfortunately, there were hits in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, as well as in Khmelnytskyi region, Rivne region, Kharkiv region and Dnipropetrovsk region. Unfortunately, there are fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones. As of now, more than 40 people are known to be injured, including five children. All are receiving the necessary assistance,» Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that one of the key targets remained energy infrastructure. Civilian facilities and historic buildings also came under attack.
Strikes on historic centers and medical facilities
In Lviv, the historic city center was damaged and a fire broke out in the Church of St Andrew, which dates back to the early 17th century. In Ivano-Frankivsk, a maternity hospital was damaged.
«Iranian „Shaheds“ modified by Russia are striking a church in Lviv — this is absolute perversion, and only someone like Putin could like this. A maternity hospital in Ivano-Frankivsk was also damaged,» Zelenskyy said.
The president stressed that the scale of the attack shows Russia has no intention of ending the war.
«The scale of this attack clearly shows that Russia has no intention of ending the war. Without strong pressure and tangible losses, Moscow will not move towards peace,» Zelenskyy said.