Srinagar, Feb 25 (ANH): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says 137 civilians and military personnel have been killed so far in the Russian invasion of his country.
He calls them “heroes” in a video address released early on February 25 in which he also says more than 300 people were injured in less than 24 hours of fighting.
“They’re killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets. It’s foul and will never be forgiven,” Zelenskiy said.
The president said all border guards on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in the Odesa region were killed. All of them will be posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, he said.
Ukraine’s border guard service earlier in the day reported that the island was taken by Russian forces.
Zelenskiy said despite the losses the armed forces of Ukraine were “brilliantly defending the country against one of the most powerful nations in the world.”
The president also lamented that his country had been “left alone” to fight Russia. “Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone.”