Ukraine-Russia War: President Zelenskyy accuses Russia of bombing residential area on Putin’s birthday
Ukraine accuses Russia of bombing residential area on Putin’s birthday, killing 24, amid diplomatic row with South Korea.
Key points
- Russia bombed a residential building in Pryluky, killing at least 24 people, including three children.
- Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians as a gift for Putin on his 74th birthday.
- South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine over the transfer of North Korean soldiers.
Ukraine has accused Russia of bombing a residential apartment block in Pryluky, killing at least 24 people, including three children, on the night before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 74th birthday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as 'despicable' and said the strikes were a 'deliberate choice of terror' meant to inflict pain on civilians. Video footage shows a ballistic missile striking a five-storey building in the Chernihiv region, causing a collapse that entombed residents. Eighteen people died, including four children: Oleksandr, Kyrylo, Serhii (one year old), and Maksym (eight years old). Five children were among about 50 injured. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is struggling to intercept enemy missiles and called for US-manufactured Patriot interceptors. South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine after Ukraine transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul. Seoul claims the transfer violated a secret agreement, but Ukraine says no non-disclosure agreement existed. South Korean officials say they received an apology from Ukraine’s foreign minister, which they say fell short of expectations. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said diplomacy should prevail over emotions and that Ukraine remains open to restoring dialogue, even if it takes time. South Korea said it will continue consultations with Ukraine and expects outstanding issues to be resolved smoothly.
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Questions and answers
- South Korea recalled its ambassador after Ukraine transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul, claiming the transfer violated a secret agreement.
- Why did South Korea recall its ambassador to Ukraine?
- He said the Russian strikes were a deliberate act of terror meant to inflict pain on civilians and called it a 'despicable' gift for Putin.
- What did President Zelenskyy say about the attack in Pryluky?
- At least 24 people died, including 18 confirmed deaths and five children among the injured.
- How many people died in the Pryluky attack?
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