The European Commission said on Thursday that Russia’s overnight drone and missile assault on Kyiv damaged the EU delegation’s building in Ukraine’s capital.
The delegation’s staff were safe, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. She called on Russia to stop its “indiscriminatory attacks on civilian infrastructure and join negotiations for a just and lasting peace”.
Fatalities Reported
The Russian attack killed 10 people in other parts of the city, wounded 38 and damaged buildings across seven districts, Ukrainian officials said.
Explosions lit up the night sky in the capital during the air alert, which lasted for over nine hours, with clouds of smoke covering the sky as drones buzzed overhead.
EU Commissioner Marta Kos said the EU building had been damaged during strikes on civilian areas.
“I strongly condemn these brutal attacks, a clear sign that Russia rejects peace and chooses terror. Our full solidarity goes to EU staff, their families, and all Ukrainians enduring this aggression.”
Zelenskyy Responds
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack, which also killed a child, showed the world Russia’s answer to diplomacy amid efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war.
“Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy said on X, calling for new sanctions on Russia. “It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.”
Ukrainian air force said it downed 563 of 598 drones and 26 of 31 missiles launched by Russia in a country-wide attack.
The Air Force recorded hits at 13 locations and debris falling at 26 locations.
“Unfortunately, the Russians’ style is typical in their attacks,” Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, wrote on Telegram.
“Combined strikes, from different directions. And systematic, targeting ordinary residential buildings.”
Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has stepped up air strikes in recent months on Ukrainian towns and cities far from the front lines of the war.
Ukrainian officials listed numerous buildings that had suffered damage, including several high-rise apartment blocks.
(With inputs from Reuters)
