Five killed as ‘terrorists’ hit famous Harry Potter castle
UKRAINIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday declared “the world despises terrorists” after at least five were killed and 32 injured when a Russian strike destroyed Odesa’s so-called Harry Potter castle.
Mr Zelensky again called for defensive missile systems to be sent quickly following the deadly hit on the Gothic-style building in the southern Black Sea port city.
Its distinctive turrets were still burning yesterday as emergency services fought a severe blaze.
The building is reportedly the residence of prominent former MP Serhiy Kivalov, who was among those said to have been injured.
Those who died were residents who reportedly did not have enough time to take shelter as air raid alerts sounded just moments before.
Crime
Dmytro Pletenchuk of Ukraine’s Southern Defence Forces said: “The type of missile used is currently being checked.
“Forensic specialists are carrying out the appropriate evaluations.
“All services including the state emergency service are working to eliminate the consequences of the strike – yet another war crime.”
A separate attack on Kharkiv in the north east left two people dead and an unknown number of injured.
Odesa’s regional head Oleh Kiper said their dead included three women and a man, while the injured included a four-year-old child, a 16-year-old and a pregnant woman.
He confirmed civilian houses and infrastructure were also damaged.
An incensed Mr Zelensky said: “I have just received reports on the situation in Odesa following a Russian missile strike and in Kharkiv following a Russian guided aerial bomb strike. Unfortunately, a number of people have been killed in Odesa. My condolences to their close ones. Many people have been injured and they are all receiving assistance.”
He added: “Russia’s regular missile attacks, as well as the occupier’s efforts to destroy as many Ukrainian positions as possible, can all be stopped. Russia’s offensive plans can be thwarted. For this, Ukrainian strength must be backed up by sufficient support from partners, weapons with sufficient range to destroy Russian logistics.”
Mr Zelensky again urgently called on Western allies to speed up the sending of military supplies.
He said: “All partner intelligence services are informed about current threats and developments.
“We must make every effort to achieve our goals, because these goals are shared by everyone in the world who despises terrorists.”
His comments came after the US agreed a £49billion package of mostly military aid for Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky said some of this had started to arrive, but added that it needed to be delivered faster.
Earlier, he was seen speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv alongside the Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg, who said “it’s not too late for Ukraine to prevail”.
Mr Stoltenberg agreed Kyiv needed weapons, saying that “Ukraine has been outgunned for months, forced to ration its ammunition”.
Urgent
The Nato chief added that the sixmonth delay in US military aid had resulted in “serious consequences on the battlefield”.
But Mr Stoltenberg added that he was optimistic that once arms were delivered it would help turn the tide.
He said: “Our allies are looking into what more they can do and I expect new announcements soon. So we are working hard to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.”
Mr Stoltenberg also stressed that Ukraine would one day become a Nato member.