Ukraine has announced the opening of an investigation into the death of a group of soldiers on Friday as a result of Russian missile fire during an awards ceremony. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi spoke about this attack in his speech on Sunday evening, saying that “this is a tragedy that could have been avoided.”

More than 20 Ukrainian soldiers from the amphibious assault brigade died on Friday as a result of shelling in the Zaporizhia region in the south of the country, Kyiv media reported. The Ukrainian army confirmed several casualties, without specifying how many. According to the Armed Forces, Russia fired an Iskander ballistic missile at the Zaporizhzhia region.

In his usual nightly video address to the nation on Sunday evening, President Volodymyr Zelensky said:

• “First of all, regarding the Russian attack on the soldiers of the 128th Mountain Infantry Brigade, which took place in the Zaporizhzhia region. Condolences to all the families and relatives of the fallen soldiers! This is an avoidable tragedy. The Minister of Defense (Rustem) Umerov reported to me about the measures taken to find out all the circumstances of what happened, who was specifically involved and what orders were given.”
• “According to the fact of the tragedy, criminal proceedings have been opened. The relevant investigation is ongoing. The most important thing is to establish the full truth about what happened and prevent similar incidents from happening again. Every serviceman in the combat zone – both in the enemy’s line of fire and in aerial reconnaissance – knows how to behave in an open area, how to stay safe. Now the investigation must give honest answers to the families of the fallen soldiers and the society, how this tragedy happened and whether wrongful orders were given.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyi noted that he has no doubt that Ukraine will be protected.

• “As we go through weeks like this, filled with pain and difficult discussions, it is important that people understand that what is weighing on their hearts is visible and the necessary changes will be made. This is about many things, from the negligence that can arise from the Soviet legacy to the appalling bureaucracy that prevents Ukraine and many of our defense forces from properly and effectively fulfilling their potential.”
• “We have to protect Ukraine. And we will protect her – I have no doubt about that. Believing in Ukraine means knowing that Ukraine and Ukrainians can preserve their independence, will preserve it and demand it,” he concluded, according to News.ro.

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