Kyiv (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Russian strikes hit EU and UK diplomatic buildings in Kyiv, killing 12 and injuring 48, as missiles and drones target multiple city sites overnight.
As reported by The Telegraph, Kyiv came under Russian strikes on the night of 28 August, damaging the European Union delegation building and the British Council office.
Drones and missile attacks in Kyiv
According to officials, Russia launched 629 drones and 32 missiles at Ukraine, killing at least 12 people, including a child and a teenager.
The capital faced dozens of drones and missiles in the first major attack since the Alaska talks between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
A Belgian diplomat said the scene showed shattered glass across the street after the British Council offices were hit.
Russian forces struck critical infrastructure in Vinnytsia Oblast, cutting electricity for 60,000 residents.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s views on Russia’s Kyiv attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for “tough” sanctions following Russia’s overnight attack on Kyiv.
He posted on X,
“All deadlines have already been broken, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy ruined. Russia must feel accountable for every strike, for every day of this war. Eternal memory to all victims of Russia!”
Mr Zelensky added,
“We expect a reaction from China to what is going on. China has repeatedly called for not expanding the war and for a ceasefire. Yet this is not happening because of Russia. We expect a reaction from Hungary. The death of children should definitely stir far greater emotions than anything else. We expect a response from everyone in the world who has called for peace but now more often stays silent rather than taking principled positions.”
What did António Costa say about Russia’s strike on Ukraine?
António Costa, president of the European Council, said he was “horrified” as Russian attacks hit Kyiv, causing damage to an EU mission building.
He stated,
“My thoughts are with the Ukrainian victims and also with the staff of the EU delegation, whose building was damaged in this deliberate Russian strike.”
Mr Costa added,
“The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people.”
Maxime Prevot’s stance on the damage in Kyiv
Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s foreign minister, reported damage to two diplomatic buildings.
He added,
“Another brutal night in Kyiv. Civilian buildings were damaged again, among them the EU Delegation and the British Council. Russia shows, once more, that it has no genuine will for peace. It chooses terror, destruction, and lies over dialogue.”
What did Andriy Sybiha say about attacks on diplomatic facilities?
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said strikes on diplomatic buildings constitute a breach of international law under the Vienna Convention.
He added,
“We insist on strong international reactions to Russia’s brutal strike on Kyiv and other cities…Whatever Putin said in Alaska, his real actions reject diplomacy, dialogue, and peace efforts.”
How did Katarina Mathernova describe the damage to the EU building and nearby residences?
According to the European Union’s ambassador, Katarina Mathernova, the delegation building in Kyiv was heavily damaged by a Russian precision strike overnight.
He said,
“A precision strike destroyed a building adjacent to the European Union Delegation. Its blast wave severely damaged our building and also a residential tower where many colleagues live. Thankfully, they are all safe. But shaken and horrified. What they endured during 12 hours of nonstop alarms is unimaginable.”
Mr Mathernova added,
“The war touched them directly last night. The war touched the European Union. And no one will convince me that this was not Putin’s intention.”
Officials’ views on the number of injuries in Kyiv
Ukrainian officials reported that two children were among the dead, while Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 22 others were injured, including three children.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, stated,
“Unfortunately, the Russians’ style is typical in their attacks.”
He added,
“Combined strikes, from different directions. And systematic, targeting ordinary residential buildings.”
Ursula von der Leyen’s stance on the safety of EU staff in Kyiv
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that EU delegation staff in Kyiv remained safe after Russian forces struck its building overnight.
She posted on X,
“Another night of Russia’s relentless bombings struck civilian infrastructure and killed innocents. It also hit our EU Delegation in Kyiv. Our Delegation staff is safe.”
Mr Leyen added,
“Russia must stop its indiscriminatory attacks on civilian infrastructure immediately and join negotiations for a just and lasting peace.”
Key details about the Ukraine-Russia conflict
The war in Ukraine began in 2014 after protests removed the pro-Russian president, and Russia took Crimea. In 2022, Russia launched a full invasion, causing massive casualties.
About 1 million people have been killed or injured, and 16 million are displaced. Russia now controls roughly 20% of Ukraine, while the world has condemned the attacks and supported Ukraine.