Ukraine – France condemns massive Russian attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine (21-22.03.24)

France condemns in the strongest terms the massive Russian missile and drone attacks that have hit numerous civilian targets in Ukraine in recent nights. On the night of March 20 to 21, 31 Russian rockets targeted the capital Kiev, wounding 15 people. On the night of March 21-22, 87 rockets and 63 drones targeted the entire Ukrainian territory, killing at least 3 and injuring 22. This salvo particularly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, damaging numerous infrastructures, including the Dnieper Hydroelectric Power Plant dam and several electrical substations, causing electricity and water supply disruptions in several regions.

These strikes, which add to last week’s tragic events in Odessa, Sumy, Kryvvyï Rih or Myrnohrad, represent a new violation of international law by Russia, which relentlessly continues its strategy of intimidation against Ukraine and its supporters, without regard affect the lives of Ukrainian citizens.

As European leaders emphasized at the European Council, it is essential to defeat Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. France will therefore continue to provide Ukraine with the support necessary for its self-defense through the European channel and also provide the country with bilateral military assistance, in accordance with the commitments made under the Security Cooperation Agreement signed by the EU. President of the Republic and President Zelensky on February 16.