EU condemns Russia missile strikes killing civilians in Kyiv
European leaders have condemned Russia’s latest missile strikes on Ukraine, which killed at least 15 civilians, including four children, and severely damaged the European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv.
The early-morning bombardment, described as the deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July, also destroyed a five-storey residential building in the Darnytskyi district and damaged nearby offices, including the British Council.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed outrage, calling the attack “another grim reminder” of Russia’s disregard for civilian life and international norms.
She revealed that two missiles exploded within 50 metres of the EU delegation, just seconds apart.
“No diplomatic mission should ever be targeted,” the Commission stated, adding that the Russian charge d’affaires in Brussels would be summoned in protest.
The UK Foreign Office has also called in Russian ambassador Andrey Kelin following the strikes.
Ukrainian officials said nearly 600 drones and more than 30 ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the attack, part of a broader assault on critical infrastructure that left over 100,000 homes without electricity.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, calling them “a deliberate response” to international efforts toward peace.
He renewed calls for tougher sanctions on Moscow and said Russia had once again chosen “ballistics over the negotiating table.”
Ukrainian rescue teams worked throughout the morning to search for survivors in the wreckage of the residential building.
Three of the children killed were reportedly aged 2, 14 and 17. Officials said at least ten residents were believed to be trapped in the collapsed section of the block.
The British Council, housed in the same building as the EU mission, reported extensive damage and announced the temporary closure of its Kyiv office. European Council President António Costa described the attack as “horrific,” while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russia of “mocking peace efforts.”
The attack came just hours after a wave of Russian drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In the central Vinnytsia region alone, 60,000 consumers were left without power, compounding the humanitarian impact.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU was preparing a 19th round of sanctions against Russia and would intensify diplomatic pressure.
She is set to visit seven EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus, including Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania, in the coming days.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s hopes of brokering a peace summit between Putin and Zelensky remain stalled.
While Ukraine has welcomed the initiative, the Kremlin has downplayed any possibility of direct talks. Washington will hold security discussions with Ukrainian officials in New York on Friday.
