Zelenskiy addresses Ukrainians on virus developments

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine warned Friday that whoever organised the riots against Ukrainians returning from the virus-stricken Chinese city of Wuhan will be "held responsible".

His warning followed violent clashes that erupted Thursday as 70 evacuees from Wuhan were being taken to a quarantine centre in Novi Sanzhary.

Local residents tried to prevent them reaching the centre by setting up road blocks and burning tyres.

In a video address to the nation, Zelenskiy said the evacuated Ukrainians were "not leprous" and didn't have "horns and hooves". They were "ordinary, normal people," he said.

"We know that someone knowingly and willfully caused a panic among people and then encouraged them to this savagery," he added. "Orderers and organizers will be held responsible."