Zelensky says Kh-101 missile produced in violation of sanctions likely used in Kyiv apartment building strike

The Kh-101 missile that struck an apartment building in Kyiv during the latest massive attack was manufactured in the second quarter of this year, indicating that Russia continues to bypass international sanctions. This underscores the need for decisive action by the international community to stop sanctions-evasion schemes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his evening video address, according to Ukrinform.

"We are carefully establishing exactly what weapons – which missiles and drones – the Russians used this time. It was a Kh-101 missile that struck a residential building in Kyiv, according to preliminary data. The missile was manufactured in the second quarter of this year. This means Russia is still importing the components, resources, and equipment necessary for missile production in circumvention of global sanctions. Stopping Russia's sanctions evasion schemes must be a genuine priority for all our partners. We are preparing steps that can intensify our joint counteraction – sanctions must be more painful for Russia," Zelensky said.

He noted that rescue operations were still ongoing in Kyiv at the site of the strike on the residential building, which was effectively destroyed by the Russian missile.

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Zelensky recalled that over two days of a virtually non-stop aerial attack, the Russians used more than 1,500 drones and 56 missiles of various types.

Tasks have now been set for the military and intelligence services on how to respond to the two-day assault.

The death toll from Russia's May 14 strike in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district has risen to 12 people, including two children.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine