Russian Attack on Kyiv Hits EU Delegation

Symbolic image: flags of the EU and Ukraine · Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

At least 17 people were killed overnight in a heavy Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. More than 30 locations across all ten city districts were hit directly or damaged by falling debris, and nearly 100 buildings were affected.

Among the buildings struck were two foreign institutions: the delegation of the European Union and the office of the British Council. A British Council staff member was injured, and the office remains closed for now.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said two missiles landed 20 seconds apart, around 50 metres from the EU delegation. No staff were injured.

The EU does not regard the strike near its delegation as coincidental. "No diplomatic mission should ever be a target," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, announcing that the Russian envoy in Brussels would be summoned. The United Kingdom also summoned the Russian ambassador.

Russia did not initially comment on the hits to the diplomatic buildings. Claims about the fighting cannot be independently verified.