Zelensky survives assassination attempt after deadly Russian airstrike while touring Odessa with Greek Prime Minister

World

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has survived an alleged attempt on his life while touring the Black Sea port of Odessa.

He claimed that other people were killed and injured when a Russian missile struck near his motorcade.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awaits the arrival of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the OdesSa commercial seaport on WednesdayCredit: Zuma Press

Zelensky, right, welcomes Mitsotakis, leftCredit: Zuma Press

Delegates saw a shrine for five children killed in a rocket attack last weekend in OdessaCredit: BackGrid

Zelensky previously accused Putin of turning Ukrainian children into “military targets” in a horror kamikaze drone attack on a nine-storey apartment building.Credit: BackGrid

The attack was launched on his row of cars while he was with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

According to a Ukrainian Navy spokesman, both deputies were just 500 to 800 meters from the attack that killed five people.

Zelensky told reporters shortly afterwards: “Do you see who we are dealing with? It doesn’t matter where you hit.

“I know there were casualties today. I don’t know what other details there are, but I know there were victims.

‘I know there are dead and injured. This is a blow. My condolences.’

The delegation heard sirens and a large explosion as they headed to their cars, Mitsotakis said.

Zelensky continued: ‘It doesn’t matter whether they are soldiers or civilians.

“Whoever they are, there are international guests [the Greek premier]. These people [the Russians] does not matter.

‘They’re either crazy or they’ve gotten completely out of control [the way] their terrorist armies act, that is what we see.

‘This shows that we must defend ourselves first and foremost.

“The best way to do that is with an air defense system.”

Zelensky called for more firepower amid a slowdown in Western aid, especially from the US Ukraine amplified “a little slower than we would like”.

The Ukrainian president previously accused this Vladimir Putin of making Ukrainian children ‘military targets’ in a horrific attack by an Iranian-made Shahed drone on a nine-storey apartment building.

The Greek Prime Minister said: “President Zelensky and his staff showed and explained to us the importance of the port.

“And what was done to restore and strengthen the Ukrainian sea route, which was damaged during the attacks.

“We heard the sound of sirens and gunshots very close to us. We didn’t have time to go to a protective place, so it was a very striking experience.

“We realize that this war affects everyone.”