World reaction to the attack on the shopping center in Kremenchuk

Leaders of many countries and international organizations reacted to the recent brutal shelling of the shopping center in Kremenchuk, Poltawa region

On Monday, June 27, the Russian Federation launched a missile attack on the Amstor shopping mall in the city, where by that time, there were about a thousand people, according to Ukrainian officials. Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as “one of the most daring terrorist acts in European history”.

According to Olexiy Danylov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Russia fired two rockets at Kremenchuk, one of which hit the mall and the other hit the city's stadium.

Dmytro Lunin, the regional governor, said at least 18 people were killed and 59 others sought medical assistance, of whom 25 were hospitalized. As per June 28, over 40 people are considered missing. A three-day mourning period is declared in the city. 

Numerous officials and organizations have made statements regarding the tragedy:

• G7 Leaders: “We, the Leaders of the G7, solemnly condemn the abominable attack on a shopping mall in Kremenchuk. We stand united with Ukraine in mourning the innocent victims of this brutal attack. Indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians constitute a war crime. Russian President Putin and those responsible will be held to account.”

• Joe Biden, US President: “Russia's attack on civilians at a shopping mall is cruel. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. As demonstrated at the G7 Summit, the US along with our allies and partners will continue to hold Russia accountable for such atrocities and support Ukraine’s defense.”

• Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State: “The world is horrified by Russia’s missile strike today, which hit a crowded Ukrainian shopping mall – the latest in a string of atrocities. We will continue to support our Ukrainian partners and hold Russia, including those responsible for atrocities, to account.”

• Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister: “This appalling attack has shown once again the depths of cruelty and barbarism to which the Russian leader will sink. Once again our thoughts are with the families of the innocent victims of Ukraine. Putin must realize that his behavior will do nothing but strengthen the resolve of the UK and every other G7 country to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

• Emmanuel Macron, President of France: “Russia's bombing of a shopping center in Kremenchuk is an abomination. We share the pain of the victims' families, and the anger in the face of such an atrocity. The Russian people have to see the truth.”

• Charles Michel, President of the European Commission: “Russian scare and intimidation tactics will never work. Ukraine will prevail with support of its partners at G7 and beyond.”

• Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia: “Yet another horrifying news from Ukraine. Russia bombed a shopping center in Kremenchuk with over 1000 peaceful people inside. Russia continues to terrorise civilians and destroy life in Ukraine. This cannot be tolerated –  they can never win and war criminals will face justice.”

• Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania: “Russia striking a shopping mall in Kremenchuk with hundreds of civilians is a disgrace to humanity, another horrific Russia's war crime. Ukraine needs larger supply of air missile defense systems. Delivered in larger quantities and faster. Stand by Ukraine!”

• Bridget Brink, US Ambassador in Ukraine: “Horrifying reports and images emerging from Kremenchuk of a Russian missile attack on a crowded shopping center. The world will hold the Kremlin accountable for its atrocities in Ukraine.”

• Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine: “Only completely heartless terrorists, who should have no place on earth, can strike missiles at such an object. And this is not a mistaken hit by missiles, this is a calculated Russian strike at this shopping center.”

UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting in New York on Tuesday to discuss the attack.

Author - Andrew Klark, 28/06/2022