Putin disregards all norms: EU and US officials react to Russia's strike on Odesa during visit of Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis

They made the statements on social media.

President of the European Commission

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen condemned the Russian attack on Odesa and said that the world is on Ukraine's side.

"I strongly condemn the vile attack on Odesa by Russia during Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis' visit. No one is intimidated by this new attempt at terror - certainly not the two leaders on the ground nor the brave people of Ukraine," she wrote.

President of the European Council

President of the European Council Charles Michel called the attack on Odesa a sign of Russia's "cowardly tactics".

"The attack on Odesa during President Zelenskyy and PM Mitsotakis' visit is another sign of Russia’s cowardly tactics in its war of aggression against Ukraine. This is reprehensible and below even the Kremlin’s playbook," Michel wrote.

UN Secretary General's spokesman

UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the attack on Odesa is "another example of the terrible consequences of this conflict," Ukrinform reports.

"We have seen these reports... Obviously, this is another example of the terrible consequences of this conflict. We once again condemn any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure," the spokesman said.

President of Moldova

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that Russia's war against Ukraine "poses a threat to the common security in Europe."

"Moldova vehemently condemns Russia’s brazen missile attack on Odesa. The targeting of

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kyriakos Mitsotakis's meeting location is unsettling. Russia’s war on Ukraine poses a direct threat to our shared security in Europe. Urgent support for Ukraine is imperative," the Moldovan president said.

US State Department spokesman

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller also reacted to the attack on Odesa and said that it once again demonstrates how critical the Ukrainian Armed Forces need additional air defense capabilities.

"This strike is yet another reminder that Russia continues to shell Ukraine every day. And it is a reminder of Ukraine's need for air defense missiles," he said.

Head of European diplomacy

The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, condemned the missile attack on Odesa. 

"The reckless air attack on Odesa when President Zelenskyy and the PM Mitsotakis were visiting, to pay tribute to the victims of the March 2 drone strike on a residential building, proves again Putin's disregard for any norms and his willingness to escalate," Borrell wrote.

US Ambassador

United States Ambassador Bridget Brink said "Russia showed yet again that it has no regard for human life."

"Today Russia showed yet again that it has no regard for human life with a ballistic missile attack on Odesa that reportedly killed five people and injured others. Ukraine needs our unwavering support now as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s unjust and cruel aggression," Brink wrote.

Italian Prime Minister

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also reacted to the Russian strike on Odesa, the Ukrainian Embassy in Italy reports. 

"I condemn the attack carried out today in Odesa during the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This further act of Russian intimidation will not have any effect and will not weaken the Ukrainian resistance," Meloni said.

• On the morning of Wednesday, March 6, Russian terrorists attacked Odesa, with numerous casualties and injuries reported. At the time, Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis were visiting the city.