Tragic strike claims lives during Ukrainian president’s visit with Greek PM

In a harrowing incident that sent shockwaves across the international community, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky narrowly survived what is being described as an assassination attempt during his visit to the strategic Black Sea port of Odessa. The president was in the company of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis when a Russian missile exploded perilously close to their motorcade, leading to casualties.

The audacious strike, occurring within 500 to 800 metres of the officials, tragically resulted in five fatalities, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Navy. In the aftermath, a visibly shaken Zelensky addressed the press, lamenting the reckless disregard for life displayed by the perpetrators. “This is a blow. My condolences,” he stated, confirming the grim toll of dead and wounded.

The visit, aimed at reinforcing diplomatic ties and examining the impact of the conflict on crucial infrastructure, turned into a stark reminder of the ongoing war’s brutality. Zelensky accused Russian forces of indiscriminate targeting, highlighting the presence of international guests and the apparent lack of concern from the attackers.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of Zelensky’s urgent calls for increased military aid, pointing to a concerning slowdown in Western support, notably from the US. His plea underscored the dire need for an enhanced air defence system to protect Ukrainian skies from such relentless attacks.

Earlier in his visit, Zelensky condemned the targeting of Ukrainian children as “military targets” by Russian forces, following a devastating kamikaze drone attack on a residential building. The strike on the apartment block, carried out by an Iranian-made Shahed drone, epitomizes the conflict’s tragic toll on innocent civilians.

The Greek Prime Minister, sharing his experience, recounted the chilling proximity of gunfire and sirens, underscoring the war’s omnipresent danger. “We realise that this war affects everybody,” Mitsotakis reflected, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders.

This assassination attempt on Zelensky not only marks a significant escalation in the conflict but also serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing human tragedy unfolding in Ukraine. As the international community grapples with the ramifications of this audacious attack, the call for more robust support for Ukraine grows ever more urgent.