The EU HQ damaged by Russian strikes has drawn intense condemnation from leaders around Europe amid Kyiv’s deadliest shelling since July. Ukrainian officials said at least 19 were killed, including four children, and dozens more were hurt.
A five-storey residence collapsed after it was struck, and the EU delegation office and British Council sustained damage nearby.
Russia’s Largest Assault this Month
Ukrainian forces said Russia struck Kyiv using nearly 600 drones and more than 30 ballistic and cruise missiles overnight. It is the most extensive strike on the capital to date. A missile struck an apartment block in Darnytskyi district at about 3:00 am.
Casualties are reported to be massive. Rescue workers continued to search the debris for survivors while fires were still smouldering. The victims included children, two, 14, and 17.
EU HQ Damaged By Russian Strikes Outrage After Eruption
European leaders voiced outrage after the EU HQ damaged by Russian strikes, came under fire. Missiles impacted within 50 meters of the EU delegation, according to the European Commission chief. She called the artillery “reckless” and was “deliberate terrorism.”
Officials emphasized no state should ever target a diplomatic mission in this way. The EU confirmed it would be summoning the Russian charge d’affaires in Brussels. The UK intends to summon Russia’s ambassador in London too.
Diplomatic Reactions and Calls for Sanctions
Western leaders reacted with outrage. Ukraine’s president claimed Moscow chose “ballistics over negotiations” and “life over death” before calling for a more stringent sanction regime. The EU confirmed it was in the process of preparing a 19th package of restrictions against Russia.
European Council President António Costa said that he was “horrified” by the latest Russian attacks on Kyiv. European Council officials noted the EU headquarters was struck directly. They said the Kremlin’s boldness is escalating. They said civilian targeting further jeopardizes peace discussions.
Lost Lives and Humanitarian Impact
The demolition of the residential building left dozens of people homeless and amplified the humanitarian cost of the war. Officials indicated that more than 100,000 homes had recently been left without electricity as a result of drone attacks earlier in the week.
In the Vinnytsia region, another 60,000 consumers had their power cut after strikes on infrastructure. Emergency teams in Kyiv worked day and night to help survivors and provide shelter for those who had lost their homes.
EU HQ Damaged By Russian Strikes as Part of Wider Fight
The EU HQ confirmed damaged by Russian strikes is part of a wider escalation against cities across Ukraine. Russia also claimed responsibility for striking and hitting a Ukrainian naval reconnaissance vessel causing the death of one crew member and wounding several others.
Ukrainian officials did not corroborate details concerning the strike, but reiterated that civilian communities are at constant risk from the aggression. European leaders indicated the attack on diplomatic sites was to intimidate international partners supporting the Ukrainian government.
Global Diplomatic Efforts Rejected
The bombing of Kyiv took place a few days after renewed diplomatic attempts to end the war. US and European officials were developing proposals for talks with both Ukraine and Russia. However, the Kremlin rejected the idea of a summit of leaders from its government and the president of Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials stated that negotiations were possible but only if there were credible guarantees to avoid future aggression. The last bombing, including the EU HQ damaged by Russian strikes, was viewed as Moscow’s rejection of diplomacy.
Conclusion
The bombing overnight killed civilians and destroyed residential homes. The EU headquarters was bombed, a key escalation. While Europe and the United Kingdom expressed overwhelming outrage, speculation increased about stricter sanctions and new security guarantees for Ukraine.
Rescue workers continue to search for survivors after overnight strikes. Strikes on civilians and the international community reinforce Moscow’s willingness to strike civilians. Peace, at this juncture, feels much more improbable.
About the Author
