EU, UK Offices Damaged in Russian Kyiv Attack that Kills 23/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russia launched a massive missile and drone assault on Kyiv, killing at least 23 people and damaging EU and UK diplomatic buildings. The strikes came less than two weeks after Trump’s summit with Putin, casting doubt on peace efforts. European leaders condemned Moscow and pledged tougher sanctions and security measures.
Ukraine War Quick Looks
- At least 23 killed in Kyiv, 63 injured
- EU & UK offices damaged, no casualties reported
- Trump “not happy” but “not surprised”, says White House
- Zelenskyy calls for harsher sanctions on Moscow
- EU summons Russian envoy after near-miss strikes
- UK PM Starmer: Putin “killing civilians, sabotaging peace”
- Ukraine says 563 drones and 26 missiles downed
- Russia claims strikes hit “military-industrial targets”
- European defense ministers vow stronger support for Ukraine
- U.S. approves $825M arms sale to Ukraine
Deep Look: Russian Strikes Kill 23, Spark EU Condemnation
Russia unleashed one of its largest missile and drone attacks in months on Ukraine early Thursday, pounding Kyiv with explosions that left at least 23 dead and more than 60 injured, according to city officials. The strikes also shattered offices of the EU and British missions, prompting fierce condemnation and renewed calls for sanctions against Moscow.
The Ukrainian government described the assault as the second-largest attack since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the city endured hours of bombardment, with explosions rocking all 10 districts. Thick smoke clouds filled the night sky as drones buzzed overhead.
Targets Beyond Military Sites
Ukraine’s military reported that 13 locations were hit, including residential neighborhoods, transport systems, and energy facilities. National power operator Ukrenergo confirmed electricity outages after strikes on infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians and foreign missions. He said EU and UK diplomatic offices, the Azerbaijan embassy, and a Turkish enterprise sustained damage.
“Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy said on X. “It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.”
International Fallout
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the strikes, noting two missiles detonated within 20 seconds, just 50 meters from the EU mission.
“This is another grim reminder of what is at stake,” she said.
European leaders pledged to accelerate a 19th sanctions package against Russia and advance plans to seize frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense.
White House and Trump’s Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Trump was “not happy” but “not surprised” by the strikes.
“Perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves,” she added, noting Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.
The comments came just days after Trump’s Alaska summit with Putin, intended to push peace talks. Instead, Russia escalated its aerial campaign while deepening its offensive in eastern Ukraine.
European Ministers Push Back
Meeting in Brussels on Friday, EU defense ministers vowed stronger measures:
- Expanding military aid and defense supplies to Kyiv
- Exploring deployment of European troops to oversee a future peace deal
- Using frozen Russian assets (over $200 billion) to fund Ukraine’s defense
- Supporting Kyiv’s eventual EU membership
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Putin was “mocking peace efforts” and that “the only thing that works is pressure.”
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė was blunt:
“Hope for peace is naive. Putin is stalling to kill more people. We must hit harder.”
Escalating Military Exchange
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 563 drones and 26 of 31 missiles. At the same time, Ukraine’s drone forces struck Russian oil refineries in Krasnodar and Samara, sparking fires and tightening fuel supplies inside Russia.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it targeted “military-industrial sites and air bases,” while denying intentional civilian casualties — a claim Ukraine and independent observers dispute.
The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting at the request of Ukraine and five European members, including Britain, France, Denmark, Slovenia, and Greece.
Outlook
The Kyiv strikes highlighted the fragile state of ongoing peace diplomacy, exposing widening divides between Western allies seeking tougher action and Trump’s administration, which has pressed for direct negotiations.
“Time is running out,” he warned. “Ukraine needs stronger action, not silence.”
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