European Leaders Condemn Russia's Latest Strike on Kyiv, Killing at Least 18

Strategic Insights -

European leaders and officials have strongly condemned Russia's latest overnight strike on Kyiv, which killed at least 18 people, injured dozens, and left the EU Delegation building in Ukraine severely damaged. The attack has sparked widespread outrage, with leaders from across the continent calling for Russia to stop its indiscriminate bombings and return to negotiations. As the EU prepares to unveil its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, leaders are stressing the need for stronger action to hold Moscow accountable for its actions.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in the latest Russian strike on Kyiv, with the EU Delegation building severely damaged.
  • European leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa, have strongly condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate choice to escalate and mock peace efforts.
  • The attack has sparked widespread outrage, with leaders from across the continent calling for Russia to stop its indiscriminate bombings and return to negotiations.
  • EU leaders are preparing to unveil its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, with some leaders calling for even stronger action to hold Moscow accountable for its actions.
  • The attack has damaged the British Council's offices in Kyiv, with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemning the assault as "senseless" and "Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace."
  • French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the strikes as "acts of terror and barbarity," while Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that "Russia has once again attacked and bombed Kyiv, civilians have died, children have died, and the EU representation has also been attacked."
  • Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said that "Putin ignores every call for diplomacy and peace, instead choos[ing] mass violence over and over again," while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed condolences to the Ukrainian people and solidarity with the European Union institutions.
  • Other leaders, including the Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, the Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, and the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, also condemned the attack and called for increased pressure on Moscow.

Statistics:

  • At least 14 people, including three children, were killed and 48 others injured in a Russian attack on Kyiv.
  • The Kyiv City Military Administration said that the number of casualties increased to 48 as of 9.34 am local time.
  • The attack damaged the British Council's offices in Kyiv, with the EU Delegation's building also severely damaged.
  • The Russian strike hit the Darnytskyi district, part of a five-story residential building was destroyed, and rescue operations are underway to search for people trapped under the rubble.

Sources:

  • EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
  • European Council President Antonio Costa
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
  • French President Emmanuel Macron
  • German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul
  • Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra
  • Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
  • Slovak President Peter Pellegrini
  • Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot
  • Norwegian Foreign Ministry
  • Kyiv City Military Administration
  • Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office