Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denounced the missile strike on an eastern train station as another Russian war crime. “Like the massacres in Bucha, like many other Russian war crimes, the missile attack on Kramatorsk should be one of the charges at the tribunal that must be held,” he said during his nightly video address to the nation.
The president told Ukrainians that great efforts would be taken “to establish every minute of who did what, who gave what orders, where the missile came from, who transported it, who gave the command and how this strike was agreed”, so that those behind the attack would be held responsible. Mr Zelensky thanked the European Union for its commitment to help investigate Russian war crimes.
He said he spoke with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and urged the EU to impose a full embargo on Russian oil and gas. “It is energy exports that provide the lion’s share of Russia’s income and allow the Russian leadership to believe in their impunity,” Mr Zelensky said. “That allows them to hope that the world will ignore the war crimes committed by the Russian army.”
Mayor reveals that 132 dead bodies have been found in Makariv
The Mayor of Makariv has said 132 dead bodies have been found in the Ukrainian town. During a televised address on Friday, Vadym Tokar said: "As of yesterday, we excavated 132 bodies of civilians who were executed by the Russian orcs."
He added the majority of the bodies were excavated from mass graves, but that some were found in the streets. Tokar also estimated that 40% of Makariv's buildings have been damaged, saying: "The occupiers destroyed almost all infrastructure, bombed [homes] and apartment buildings, completely destroyed hospitals and kindergartens."
Weekend curfew imposed on Odesa
The southern Ukrainian city of Odesa on the Black Sea will be subjected to a weekend curfew due to the threat of additional missile strikes. It will be in place from 9pm (6pm GMT) on Saturday until 6am (3am GMT) on Monday.
During those hours, nobody will be able to leave their houses without special permission, according to a statement by the regional military. The decision was taken after missile strikes in the region on Thursday night.
European leaders believe Ukraine are fighting Russia 'for us all'
Ukraine is fighting Russia "for us all" say European leaders including President Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU's High Representative Josep Borrell. After meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine's goal is to be in the EU because "we share common values and fight for them".
He also thanked the EU for its "political, financial and military support of Ukraine". However, he also called on the EU to continue to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation "until it gives up its aggressive intentions".
Speaking after "meeting and negotiations" with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Kyiv, Mr Zelensky said: "The goal is to be in the European Union. The most important thing is that we share the same values.
"And it is for them that we fight - for freedom, for the rights of our people. I know for sure that we will win and it will all work.
"And at this distance, right here, near us are the countries of the European Union and the EU leadership. And this financial support is very important today, when the economy is not working yet."
Ursula von der Leyen said: "Ukraine belongs in the European family. We have heard this very important statement from all your people.
"And we give a positive answer to your request. Your journey to the European Union begins. I'm sure it's a close path."
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told Mr Zelensky: "You are fighting for us. And the least we can do is give you weapons. So that you get the weapons you need to resist, to fight and to win."
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