G7 denounces Russian missile attack on Kremenchuk mall in Ukraine, terms it 'war crime'

In a recent development, Group of Seven (G7) leaders strongly deunced a Russian missile strike on a shopping mall in Ukraine's Kremenchuk city on Monday, June 27. Following deadly strike, G7 leaders issued a joint statement in Germany and also termed incident a "war crime." According to Ukrainian officials, more than 1,000 people were inside mall at time of attack, with at least 18 people losing ir lives and over 60 ors injured, Associated Press (AP) reported. 

"We solemnly condemn abominable attack on a shopping mall in Kremenchuk. We stand united with Ukraine in mourning incent victims of this brutal attack. Indiscriminate attacks on incent civilians constitute a war crime. Russian President Vladimir Putin and those responsible will be held to account," G7 leaders said in joint statement. y also underscored ir unwavering support for Ukraine, and vowed to continue providing financial, humanitarian as well as military assistance to war-torn country for as long as possible. "We will t rest until Russia ends its cruel and senseless war on Ukraine," G7 leaders remarked.

mall presented ' threat to Russian army': Zelenskyy

Following incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that mall presented “ threat to Russian army” and had " strategic importance." He accused Putin administration of thwarting people’s attempts to live a rmal life, which make occupiers so enrd.  attack comes at a time when Russia was launching a full-scale assault on last Ukrainian strong in eastern Luhansk. “We are working to dismantle construction so that it is possible to get machinery in re since metal elements are very heavy and big, and disassembling m by hand is impossible,” said Volodymyr Hychkan, an emergency services official, AP reported. 

Tu-22M3 long-range bombers launched missile attack on mall: Ukraine

It is pertinent to mention here that Russia has been accused of increasingly using long-range bombers during ongoing war with Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, Tu-22M3 long-range bombers were responsible for firing missile that targeted shopping mall and a sports arena in Kremenchuk city. tably, war between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate and entered its day 125th on Tuesday, June 28. 

(With inputs from AP)

Im: AP