The mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, has put the number of civilian deaths in the Ukrainian capital at more than 150 as a result of attacks launched by Russian forces since the beginning of the war nine months ago.
Among the victims there are four minors, Klitschko lamented during his speech by videoconference this Monday at the Kiev Investment Forum, which was held in Brussels, Ukrinform agency reports.
Klitschko pointed out that this is the first time this forum is held outside the Ukrainian capital, stressing the «symbolism» of the fact that it also takes place in Brussels, «in the heart of Europe», since «the people of Kiev and all Ukrainians see their future within the European family».
«Unfortunately, I cannot be there. The situation in Kiev and in Ukraine, the challenges that must be overcome quickly, require my presence here,» Klitschko apologized to his counterpart in Brussels, Philippe Klose, whom he thanked for his proposal to hold this forum in the Belgian capital.
In this regard, Klitschko stressed that Ukrainians are currently choosing to be part of the European family in a «bloody war» against the «Russian invader», while protecting European values, peace and stability throughout the continent.
The mayor of Kiev praised the resistance of the Ukrainian people during these nine months of war, «despite the numerical and military superiority of the enemy» and «the total terror unleashed against peaceful citizens».
Klitschko also said that as a result of the Russian bombardments, more than 350 residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed, as well as 77 schools and about thirty medical facilities.
In recent weeks, Moscow has intensified its attacks on the capital, especially on critical infrastructure, leaving much of the region with power and water cuts.
