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European Union

Russian Forces Pummel Kyiv, Killing At Least 19 People and Damaging EU and British Council Offices

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Russian forces launched a massive assault on Kyiv overnight into Thursday, sending wave after wave of drones and missiles toward the capital and across the country, killing at least 19 people, including four children. The European Commission and Britain summoned Russian envoys in Brussels and London to explain the attacks, with the E.U. mission and the office of the British Council damaged in a missile strike. The Ukrainian air force reported 598 drones and 31 missiles were launched against the country overnight, with 563 drones and 26 missiles shot down.

Key Takeaways:

  • The attack on Kyiv is the most ferocious since the Alaska summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to yield a ceasefire.
  • At least 19 people were killed, including four children, and dozens more are missing.
  • The European Commission and Britain summoned Russian envoys to explain the attacks, with the E.U. mission and the office of the British Council damaged in a missile strike.
  • Ukrainian drone manufacturer were listed online as having offices inside the building struck near the foreign facilities.
  • Authorities reported 598 drones and 31 missiles were launched against the country overnight, with 563 drones and 26 missiles shot down.
  • The attack provoked condemnations from European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
  • Russian forces claim the assault was a targeted military operation, while Ukrainian officials say it is a continuation of the war effort.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for tougher sanctions against Russia to force it to commit to a ceasefire.
  • Zelensky also called for stronger diplomatic reactions from China and Hungary, two countries that have preserved close relations with Russia.

Statistics:

  • At least 19 people were killed, including four children, and dozens more are missing after the attack on Kyiv.
  • 598 drones and 31 missiles were launched against Ukraine overnight, with 563 drones and 26 missiles shot down.
  • 563 drones and 26 missiles were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.
  • At least 10 people are missing, according to local authorities.
  • 20 locations were affected by the strikes, causing fires in residential buildings, damaging a shopping mall and a kindergarten, and leveling part of a five-story apartment block.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Russian Forces Pummel Kyiv, Killing At Least 19"
  • European Commission, "Statement on the attack on the European Union's mission to Ukraine"
  • British Council, "Statement on the attack on British Council offices in Ukraine"
  • Ukrainian Air Force, "Statement on the launch of 598 drones and 31 missiles against Ukraine"
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, "Statement on the attack on Kyiv and the need for tougher sanctions against Russia"

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