Massive Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 21, damages EU's HQ

In a major escalation of hostilities, Russian missile and drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight resulted in at least 21 fatalities, including four children, as confirmed by Ukrainian officials. The bombardment, described as the deadliest since July, also severely affected the European Union's delegation office located in the city.

The emergency services report that dozens more sustained injuries, with many in critical condition. The attack struck various parts of the city, damaging over 30 locations across all ten districts, including residential buildings and diplomatic missions. The worst affected area was a five-storey residential block in the Darnytskyi district, which was largely destroyed when a missile hit around 03:00 local time.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed her outrage at the attacks in a statement, highlighting the proximity of the strikes to the EU delegation: "Two missiles hit within a distance of 50 meters (165 feet) of the delegation within 20 seconds." She characterised the incident as a stark reminder of the ongoing urgency of the situation in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, emphasising the need for increased sanctions against Russia. He stated, "This attack serves as a clear message from the Kremlin to those advocating for peace negotiations."

The Russian military reportedly launched nearly 600 drones and more than 30 missiles during this assault, marking it as one of the most extensive attacks on Kyiv to date. Ukrainian forces managed to intercept a significant number of these projectiles, claiming to have shot down 563 out of nearly 600 drones.

Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, declared that Friday would be observed as a day of mourning for the victims. In his statement, he lamented, "These were civilian homes; the destruction is heartbreaking."

International responses have been swift. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the attack an unsettling escalation, stating, "No diplomatic mission should ever be targeted. Russia must stop the killing and negotiate."

Condemnations also came from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who accused Russia of "sabotaging hopes for peace". Starmer expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, stating that the violence must cease. Russia's ambassador to the UK was subsequently summoned for an explanation regarding the attacks.

The attacks occurred shortly after a diplomatic effort led by the United States aimed at fostering dialogue and ending the war. Observers have noted that this military offensive appears to contradict Moscow's stated interest in negotiating a peace deal. Both Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials view the strikes as a rejection of these peace efforts.

U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg characterised the attacks as "egregious" and warned that such actions threaten the fragile prospect of peace that was being negotiated.

In addition to the casualties in Kyiv, Russian forces also targeted energy infrastructure, leaving over 100,000 homes without power following earlier drone assaults. This disruption aligns with a broader strategy seen throughout the conflict, where targeted attacks on energy resources have become commonplace.

As the conflict continues, calls for stronger international measures against Russia are intensifying. Zelensky has urged allies to impose "new, tough sanctions", emphasising that the deaths of civilians, especially children, demand a principled response from the international community.

The ongoing negotiations and military developments highlight a complex and volatile situation, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions, further complicating efforts to reach a lasting resolution. With continued aggression from Russia, many in Ukraine express scepticism about the feasibility of peace talks, feeling that negotiations seem increasingly distant amidst the violence.

The European Union has reacted by preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, with von der Leyen announcing upcoming visits to multiple EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus to discuss the situation further. These actions reflect ongoing efforts to coordinate a robust response to Moscow's military actions.

In summary, the recent attacks on Kyiv represent a devastating escalation in the conflict, drawing international condemnation and highlighting the urgent need for renewed dialogues capable of ending the hostilities.