He noted that the fires had caused severe destruction and
extended his wishes for safety to all affected and success to American
firefighters and rescue workers.
“We stand with our American friends and hope for the swift
containment of this devastating natural disaster,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Earlier on Jan. 9, U.S. media reported that the wildfires
near Los Angeles, exacerbated by strong winds, had claimed at least five lives,
forced the evacuation of approximately 130,000 residents, and destroyed more
than 1,000 buildings, making them the most destructive in the city’s history.
The fires consumed thousands of hectares and spread rapidly
to upscale neighborhoods in Los Angeles, home to celebrities such as Ben
Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Paris Hilton, and Bradley Cooper, among
others.