Today, together with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, we paid tribute to those who were killed in the Russian missile strike on a residential building in Pryluky. The attack claimed 22 lives, including five children. Another 54 people were injured. I spoke with those affected. We also received reports on the consequences of the attack. More than 100 residential buildings were damaged, as were educational institutions, kindergartens, shops, businesses, and the infrastructure that sustains normal life in the city. We hear the people – there are issues with shelters and housing in the city. I instructed the head of the regional military administration to promptly help those who, unfortunately, have nowhere to go. And it is important that those affected ultimately receive new homes. Also, as soon as the security situation allows, residents of the destroyed building must be given access to their damaged apartments. The Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine must see to it. I am grateful to Ed Miliband for coming today to support our people. When our partners are literally standing alongside Ukrainians, it truly matters. Thank you to everyone helping our people on the ground.

Overall, 25 people were killed in this massive Russian strike on Ukraine. One hundred people were injured. It was a combined attack, involving many ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as “shaheds.” This is the kind of “gift” Putin gave himself for his birthday. Ukrainian warriors shot down 44 missiles – both cruise and ballistic. Not all of those launched by Russia, and ballistic missiles are especially difficult to deal with. We suppressed 117 “shaheds” – most of those launched, but unfortunately, not all of them either. Additional packages of air defense missiles are needed, as are additional measures to support Ukraine. And there will be appropriate packages. The threat is there every day, and every day, our air defense batteries need to have missiles ready. We strongly count on prompt deliveries from our partners.

Together with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, we spoke with people injured in the Russian strike who are now receiving medical care at a hospital in Pryluky. In total, 17 people were hospitalized, 13 of whom are being treated here. Among them are a five-year-old girl and a veteran who lived in the building destroyed by Russia. He now has no family left and no home. We must support our people. I thank our medical professionals who help those injured in the aftermath of such attacks – thank you for all your work and for helping people. The Minister of Health also reported on equipping shelters at medical facilities. I instructed that all necessary work be accelerated as much as possible and that additional funding be found. It is also a top priority to repair the hospital’s shelter and take all necessary steps to build a new, modern shelter. The Minister of Health and the Head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, together with city authorities, are responsible for this. Separately, I instructed the Minister of Internal Affairs to ensure a comprehensive inspection of all shelters in Pryluky.