Zelenskyy called the strike on Moscow a response to the attack on Kyiv and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will continue to launch retaliatory strikes against Russia in response to attacks on civilian cities and to bring the war to an end. The head of state linked the strike on Moscow on June 18 to the recent Russian attack on Kyiv, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

According to Ukrinform, Zelenskyy made the statement in Brussels while answering questions from journalists. The discussion centered on the strike on Moscow, after which, according to a source, tanks at an oil refinery continued to burn.

The President of Ukraine emphasized that Kyiv did not seek war and does not want destruction on its territory, but intends to respond to Russia’s actions. According to a quote provided by the source, Zelenskyy stated: “We do not want this war and never have; everyone knows this, including our partners, and we certainly do not want Ukraine to be set ablaze by the enemy, but if Ukraine is set ablaze, so will your Moscow.”

Zelenskyy also noted that such actions, in his words, should serve as a signal to Moscow that it must cease its aggression. He reiterated that the time has come to end the war and move toward peace.