Zelensky Warns of 'Brutal Strikes' in Address on Independence Day Eve
As Ukraine prepared to mark its 31st Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an August 23 address of “brutal strikes” by Russian forces.
Zelensky, who had earlier in the day hosted a summit on Crimea, said that because August 24 was an important day “for all of us”, it was “also important for our enemy.”
“We must be aware that tomorrow hideous Russian provocations and brutal strikes are possible,” Zelensky said, adding that the Ukrainian military and intelligence services would “do everything to protect people.”
“But please follow the safety rules strictly tomorrow,” he said. “Please observe the curfew. Pay attention to the air sirens. Pay attention to official announcements.”
The president also singled out the besieged city of Kharkiv, which has sustained prolonged intermittent shelling since the early days of Russia’s invasion.
“Yes, Kharkiv has experienced a lot of injustice and cruelty,” Zelensky said. “But Kharkiv will never be a city of black scorched windows and ruined districts.” Credit: Volodymyr Zelensky via Storyful
