EU and UK Condemn Deadly Russian Strikes on Kyiv, Pledge Stronger Action Against Moscow
The assault comes as the EU prepares its 19th package of sanctions and advances plans to channel frozen Russian assets toward Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction, while the UK summons Moscow’s ambassador over the intensifying strikes.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the British government on Thursday strongly condemned Russia’s latest wave of drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, which killed at least 15 people, struck civilian homes, and damaged diplomatic missions, including the offices of the EU and British Council.
In a statement, von der Leyen described the overnight bombardment as “the deadliest drone and missile attack on the capital since July,” stressing that the strikes landed within meters of the EU Delegation in Kyiv.
“Two missiles hit in a distance of 50 meters of the Delegation within 20 seconds,” she said, calling the attack “another grim reminder of what is at stake.” She added that the Kremlin’s indiscriminate campaign aims to terrorize Ukrainians and even target the European Union itself.
The EU chief vowed to escalate pressure on Moscow, confirming that Brussels is preparing its 19th package of sanctions and advancing efforts to use frozen Russian assets to help finance Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. She further emphasized Europe’s “unwavering support” to Kyiv, describing Ukraine as “our neighbor, partner, friend, and future Member.”
Von der Leyen also praised EU staff in Ukraine for their work “under extremely difficult conditions” and announced plans to visit Kyiv to deliver her message of solidarity in person.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom summoned the Russian ambassador following the strikes. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the attacks, noting that they killed civilians and damaged the British Council building in Kyiv.
“Putin's strikes last night killed civilians, destroyed homes and damaged buildings, including the British Council and EU Delegation in Kyiv.... We have summoned the Russian Ambassador,” Lammy wrote on X.
The latest escalation highlights Russia’s continued reliance on mass missile and drone assaults despite international condemnation, as European leaders signal fresh measures to tighten sanctions, strengthen defense cooperation, and provide long-term support for Ukraine’s survival and recovery.
The strikes on Kyiv are among the deadliest since the beginning of the conflict, highlighting how the war continues to devastate civilian areas despite repeated calls from international actors for restraint. Both sides have accused one another of undermining prospects for negotiations, with Moscow insisting that Kyiv and its Western allies are unwilling to compromise, while Ukraine points to continued bombardments as proof of Russia’s lack of interest in peace.
The timing of the attacks, coming as global leaders renew discussions about ceasefire frameworks, underscores the deep mistrust and complexity surrounding any potential settlement. For ordinary Ukrainians, the destruction of homes and the displacement of families are daily reminders that diplomacy has yet to offer tangible relief from the realities of war.
