Strike on Nova Vodolaha: Zelensky addressed the US and Europe
As a result of a Russian drone strike on the central park of the settlement of Nova Vodolaha in Kharkiv region on October 19, five people were killed, including two children. Another 15 people were wounded. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky urged international partners not to weaken sanctions against Russia and to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.
The head of state said this on Telegram, commenting on the consequences of the Russian attack.
According to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, Russian troops attacked the central park of Nova Vodolaha around 16:30. It has been preliminarily established that the strike was carried out using a 'Geran-3' drone – a jet modification of the Shahed family of strike drones.
At the time of the attack, civilians, including families with children, were in the park. The explosion occurred in an open area near a cafe.
According to updated data from the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov, three women aged 28, 34 and 36 as well as two girls – 11 years old and one year and two months old – were killed.
Among the dead was a little girl who was in a stroller. Her mother also died in hospital.
15 people were injured, including seven children. The victims are receiving medical care, some of the wounded were taken to medical facilities in Kharkiv.
Earlier, Zelensky and the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration reported six dead, including three children. However, on the evening of October 19, the regional administration clarified the information: the deaths of five people, including two children, have been confirmed.
The Russian strike also damaged a cafe building, a car, and apartment and private residential buildings.
Rescuers, medics and law enforcement officers worked at the scene. Investigators have launched criminal proceedings under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – violation of the laws and customs of war.
Zelensky demanded to maintain sanctions against Russia
Commenting on the strike on Nova Vodolaha, the President of Ukraine stressed the need for international pressure on Moscow.
Zelensky called on the United States not to lift existing sanctions against Russia until the killings of Ukrainians stop. He also asked Washington to support the sanctions initiative of US Senator Lindsey Graham.
"We ask that sanctions against Russia not be lifted until the killings stop. We ask America to be strong, we ask to apply Lindsey Graham's law," – Zelensky said.
The President also called on European states to continue supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
According to him, the international community has the necessary tools to counter Russian aggression, but they should be used more decisively.
Separately, Zelensky emphasized the need to increase supplies of air defense systems capable of protecting Ukrainian cities and towns from Russian missiles and drones.
The head of state thanked countries that help Ukraine repel air attacks, supply weapons and provide other defense support.
The President once again stated that Ukraine seeks to end the war, while Russia continues to launch strikes that lead to civilian casualties.
Based on materials from: Volodymyr Zelensky, National Police of Ukraine, Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.
