Zelenskyy: Russian terrorists will definitely be punished for Odesa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to the overnight shelling of Odesa, reassuring that there will be a response to Russian terrorists.

"This night in Odesa, one person was killed. My condolences to the relatives and loved ones. Twenty people were injured, including four children aged 11, 12, and two 17-year-olds. Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance. I thank everyone who is helping Odesa – the rescuers, doctors, the military, the police, volunteers, local authorities, and the businesses that have contributed. I thank all the city's residents. It is crucial to help each other and our city," emphasized the President of Ukraine.

Zelensky noted that the targets of all these missiles are not just cities, towns, or people. Their targets are humanity and the foundations of our entire European culture. He mentioned that during this night, a Russian missile, specifically the Kh-22 anti-ship missile, struck the altar of the St. Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Odesa, which is one of the most valuable cathedrals in Ukraine. In 1936, it was looted and destroyed by the Bolsheviks. It was later restored in independent Ukraine, and now, terrorists are trying to destroy it again.

Overall, nearly 50 buildings were damaged in Odesa this night, including 25 architectural landmarks in the city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Zelensky also mentioned that the building of the Greek consulate was damaged in this attack, making it the second consulate building in Odesa damaged by Russian terrorists. Just three days earlier, a similar attack damaged the Chinese consulate building.

The President stated that Italy has promised to assist in the restoration of historical landmarks in Ukraine.