Zelensky Addresses World Leaders from Kharkiv

In a poignant address from Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to global leaders for enhanced air defence systems to combat ongoing Russian aggression.

The video message underscores the dire situation in eastern Ukraine and calls for international solidarity to confront the escalating conflict.

Zelensky, standing amidst the ruins of Kharkiv, highlighted the relentless attacks that have plagued the city, situated alarmingly close to the Russian border. “For them, it is a pleasure to burn,” Zelensky stated, referring to the destruction wrought by Russian forces. “We all know who we are dealing with. Russia is led by people who seek to normalise burning lives, destroying cities and villages, dividing nations, and erasing national borders through war.”

Kharkiv, a city of over a million residents, has endured three years of unceasing terror, primarily from Russian S-300 missiles, originally designed for air defence but repurposed for ground attacks. Zelensky detailed the harrowing impact: “Every night and every day, the Russian army bombards the city. There is not a single district or street in Kharkiv that has not suffered from this continuous abuse.” He added that Russia has escalated its assaults with guided aerial bombs, describing them as weapons of indiscriminate destruction.

Zelensky’s message extended beyond Ukraine, drawing parallels between the suffering in Kharkiv and potential threats to cities worldwide. “Any person in any city in the world – from São Paulo to Harbin – perceives this as terror,” he asserted. The President emphasised that the devastation seen in Kharkiv is mirrored in hundreds of other Ukrainian towns and villages, some of which have been reduced to ashes, devoid of any inhabitants. He described this scorched emptiness as the most horrifying consequence of the war, a war Ukraine neither desired nor provoked. “Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s attempts to seize our resources and territories and to destroy our national identity. And the world sees this.”

Zelensky’s address was not merely a call for aid but an invitation to global leaders to participate in a Peace Summit. He stressed the necessity of international cooperation to halt the war: “That is why global efforts are needed – a Peace Summit with leaders whom Russia cannot deceive.” The summit aims to demonstrate genuine commitment to ending the war rather than temporary ceasefires, which Russia has repeatedly violated with missile and artillery attacks.

Scheduled to commence on 15 June, the Peace Summit is being organised in collaboration with Switzerland. Over eighty countries have confirmed their participation, and Zelensky continues to reach out to world leaders to join the initiative. He specifically addressed President Biden of the United States and President Xi of China, urging them to take a stand: “We do not want the UN Charter to burn – to burn like these books. And I hope you do not want that either. Please show your leadership in bringing peace – real peace, not just a pause between strikes.”

Zelensky concluded his appeal by expressing gratitude to those who support Ukraine and the pursuit of peace. He underscored that the collective efforts of the global community are the best guarantee for fulfilling commitments and achieving lasting peace. “For all of us, it will be a pleasure to establish peace,” he said, encapsulating the hope that international unity can bring an end to the suffering and destruction inflicted upon Ukraine.

This heartfelt plea from Kharkiv serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the pressing need for global intervention to restore peace and stability in Ukraine.

EU Reaction

The European Union has strongly condemned the recent Russian missile strike on the “Epicentr” construction hypermarket in Kharkiv, which resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people. President of the European Council, Charles Michel, described the attack as a “heinous crime.”

In a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Michel denounced the Russian actions as criminal. He underscored the terror inflicted on Ukrainian civilians as part of Russia’s ongoing aggressive war against Ukraine. Michel’s statement emphasised the need for a collective response to halt the brutal Russian attacks.

The Russian strike on a Kharkiv supermarket is atrocious.

Russia’s efforts to terrorise Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal.

Together, we can stop Russia’s brutal attacks. We need to urgently advance on a comprehensive air defence…

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 26, 2024

“Russia’s efforts to terrorise Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal. Together, we can stop Russia’s brutal attacks. We urgently need to move forward with a comprehensive solution to protect Ukraine from aerial assaults,” Michel wrote.

The European Union’s condemnation of the attack reflects a broader concern over the escalation of violence in Ukraine. The incident at “Epicentr” highlights the continued threat to civilian lives and infrastructure amidst the conflict. The response from the EU is part of an ongoing dialogue among international leaders about the need for increased support and protection for Ukraine.

The fire at the “Epicentr” hypermarket, caused by the missile strike, took 16 hours to extinguish. Authorities confirmed the deaths of 12 individuals, with 16 more reported missing. The scale of the destruction has drawn sharp criticism and calls for more robust international intervention.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also weighed in, describing the attack as a stark demonstration of Russia’s approach to peace. This sentiment echoes the urgent appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On Sunday, Zelensky released a video address from a destroyed printing house in Kharkiv, calling on world leaders, including those from the United States and China, to attend a peace summit in Switzerland.

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