Europe’s key leaders have denounced Russia’s new missile attacks on Kyiv, which killed a minimum of 18 individuals, four of whom were children, and injured dozens more. The assault leveled a city residential block and heavily damaged the EU’s delegation office in the Ukrainian capital, one of the most severe targeting of European diplomatic property since the conflict commenced.
A five-storey residential apartment building in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv was struck at approximately 03:00 local time, with one segment collapsing completely. Ten locals were missing as rescuers combed through fire-ravaged debris.
EU and UK Denounce Russian Strikes
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted with indignation, affirming that two of the missiles had hit just 50 meters from the EU mission. “Another appalling reminder that Russia will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine,” she wrote.
Photos published by EU officials revealed shattered windows and damage inside the building of the delegation. The British Council office, nearby, which serves to promote cultural relations, was also damaged and closed to visitors until further notice.
The EU has called in Russia’s charge d’affaires in Brussels, while the UK Foreign Office will recall Moscow’s ambassador, Andrey Kelin. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer blamed Vladimir Putin for “sabotaging hopes of peace,” and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the attack a “deliberate choice to escalate and mock peace efforts.”
Moscow Rejects Responsibility, Kyiv Demands Sanctions
While the Kremlin claimed to still be open to negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of retaliating to diplomacy “with ballistics rather than the negotiating table.” He again called for “new, tough sanctions” on Russia.
Von der Leyen reaffirmed that the EU was drafting a 19th sanctions package, and also announced planned visits to border countries such as Latvia, Finland, Poland, Lithuania, and Romania to coordinate action.
Scale of the Attack
Ukraine’s armed forces said Russian forces fired close to 600 drones and over 30 ballistic and cruise missiles during the night, the largest attack on Kyiv this month. In addition to the capital, energy targets were struck, causing power to be cut to more than 160,000 homes, especially in Vinnytsia and central Ukraine.
All three of the children killed in Kyiv were confirmed by officials to be two, 14, and 17 years old. Dozens were also injured, including several other children.
The attacks followed a US-led diplomatic effort several days earlier to resuscitate peace talks. President Donald Trump has tried to set up a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, but the Kremlin has dismissed hopes of such an event.
