Fact Check: Zelensky Calls Russian Strikes 'Pure Terrorism' After 15 Civilians Killed
What We Know
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently condemned a series of Russian airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians and injuries to over 100 others. He characterized these attacks as "pure terrorism," emphasizing that they lacked any military rationale and were intended to instill fear among the civilian population (BBC, Independent). The strikes were part of one of the largest assaults on Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, involving nearly 500 drones and missiles launched across various cities, including Kyiv and Odesa (Kyiv Independent, Yahoo News).
Zelensky's remarks came in the wake of these attacks, which he described as some of the most horrific of the ongoing war. He urged the international community, particularly the United States and Europe, to respond decisively to what he termed acts of terrorism (Independent, Yahoo News).
Analysis
The claim that Zelensky referred to the Russian strikes as "pure terrorism" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC reported that Zelensky specifically stated the attacks made "no military sense" and were aimed at civilians, reinforcing his assertion of terrorism. Similarly, the Independent and Kyiv Independent corroborated his comments, noting the significant civilian casualties and the scale of the assault.
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations with a history of accurate reporting on the Ukraine conflict. The BBC and Independent are well-known for their journalistic integrity, while the Kyiv Independent provides localized coverage with a focus on Ukrainian perspectives. This reliability lends credence to the claims made by Zelensky and reported by these outlets.
However, it is essential to note that the term "terrorism" can be politically charged and subjective. Critics of Zelensky's characterization may argue that it oversimplifies the complexities of the conflict. Nevertheless, the context in which he used the term—highlighting civilian casualties and the indiscriminate nature of the attacks—supports his framing of the situation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence clearly shows that President Zelensky did indeed label the Russian strikes as "pure terrorism" following the tragic loss of civilian lives. His statements were reported consistently across multiple credible sources, confirming the accuracy of the claim.
Sources
- Russia launches biggest drone attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv
- Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky accuses Putin of 'pure terrorism'
- Ukraine war latest: Massive Russian attack kills 14, injures 116
- Russia rains missiles on Ukraine, killing 16 including US citizen
- Russia's deadliest attack on Kyiv for months kills 15 and injures dozens
- Cluster munitions used in overnight Russian strike on Kyiv
- Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky accuses Putin of 'pure terrorism'
- At least 15 killed in Russian airstrikes on Kiev and other cities
