A convoy carrying Volodymyr Zelensky was nearly struck by a Russian missile in the southern city of Odesa on Wednesday, according to reports.
The strike landed a short distance from his motorcade, which was travelling to meet a Greek delegation that included the country’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, according to Greek news outlet Protothema.
“We saw this strike today,” said Mr Zelensky.
“You see who we are dealing with, they do not care where they hit. I know there were casualties today, I don’t know all the details yet, but I know there are dead and wounded,” he added.
“We need to defend ourselves first and foremost. The best way to do that is with an air defense system.”
He was visiting the port of Odesa along with Mr Mitsotakis when the missile hit.
“We heard the sound of sirens and explosions that took place near us. We did not have time to get to a shelter,” Mr Mitsotakis told reporters.
“There is no issue with the safety of the prime minister and the Greek delegation,” a Greek government source added.
Greek media reported the explosion shortly before Mr Mitsotakis was due to meet the Ukrainian president.
The attack was said to have happened at around 11.43am local time. According to local media, the strike was either an Iskander or Onyx missile.
Mr Zelensky and Mr Mitsotakis held their discussions as planned, with their officials saying they will issue a joint statement.