Zelensky: Despite attempts to break our state, we know Ukraine has future

That’s according to a video address to the nation President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine posted on YouTube, Ukrinform reports.

"Dear Ukrainians,

The liquidation of the consequences of the attack of Russian terrorists on our Odesa has been going on all day today. Nineteen missiles of different types – absolutely specifically to make them more difficult to shoot down and to cause more destruction

One person died in Odesa this night. My condolences to their families and friends. Twenty people were injured, including four children. 11, 12, and two 17-year-olds. All are being provided with medical assistance. And I thank everyone who stands with Odesa. Thank you to everyone in the city who is helping the victims and clearing the debris. Rescuers and medics, military and police, volunteers and local authorities. Businesses that joined the effort. Thanks to all the townspeople. It is very important to help each other and our city!

Separately, I’d like to thank those around the world who have already condemned this latest manifestation of Russian evil. People aroiund the world cannot be allowed to become accustomed to terrorist attacks. The targets of all these missiles are not just cities, villages, or people. Their target is humanity and the foundations of our entire European culture. This night, a Russian missile – and it was an Kh-22, an anti-ship missile – hit the altar of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa... One of the most valuable cathedrals in Ukraine. In 1936, it was looted and destroyed by the Bolsheviks. Already in independent Ukraine, the cathedral was restored. And now again, the terrorists are trying to destroy it. In total, almost 50 buildings were damaged in Odesa this night alone, 25 of them architectural monuments. Historical center. World heritage, which was taken under UNESCO protection. The building of the Greek consulate was also damaged, and this is the second consular institution in Odesa affected by Russian terror. Just three days ago, another such attack damaged the Chinese consulate building.

Obviously, all this is a global threat. Destruction of cities, destruction of culture, destruction of ports that are fundamental to world food security. There have never been such terrorists who could beat the world, and these Kremlin madmen will not succeed either.

The Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa will be there again. We will definitely restore everything. By the way, I am grateful to Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni, members of the Italian Parliament and the entire Italian society for the promise to help with the restoration of historical monuments in Ukraine.

The main thing is that despite any attempts to break our state and our people, we clearly know: we, in Ukraine, have a future because we protect culture and humanity. With this terror, Russia brings only one thing closer – its own dismantling from history.

And one more thing.

We have already started preparing for next week. There will be many different events that will definitely strengthen Ukrainian defenses.

I thank NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for promptly convening the first meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council. In fact, immediately after our conversation yesterday, a date was agreed upon – the meeting will be held this Wednesday. We are preparing it meaningfully.

We are also preparing new support packages from partners – everything that brings the defeat of Russian terrorists closer. More air defense capabilities for Ukraine, more artillery, more long-range weapons. The recipe for ending the war is obvious: everything depends on the unity and determination of all who value freedom, culture, and life.

Thank you to everyone who helps Ukraine! Thank you to everyone in Ukraine who cares about their neighbor.

Glory to our soldiers!

Glory to Ukraine!”