European leaders denounce Russia over missile attack on Kyiv diplomatic mission
European leaders condemn Russia after missile attack damages Kiev diplomatic mission
European and Western leaders have strongly condemned Russia following a massive overnight missile and drone strike on Kiev that severely damaged the EU’s diplomatic mission in the Ukrainian capital. At least 14 civilians, including children, were reported killed, with residential areas and civilian infrastructure also hit.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the attack an “unacceptable breach,” emphasizing on X that “no diplomatic mission should ever be a target” and announcing the summoning of Russia’s envoy in Brussels.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the strikes as “terror and barbarism,” highlighting that 629 missiles and drones were deployed in a single night. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “sabotaging hopes of peace” and targeting civilians deliberately.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the assault “shows the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine” and pledged continued “maximum pressure” on Moscow. Germany, too, suggested the attack could lead to tougher European sanctions, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declaring the incident “cannot remain without consequences.”
Other European officials, including European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Belgium’s Foreign Minister, voiced solidarity with Ukrainian civilians and the damaged diplomatic missions. Norway and Poland also condemned the attacks, confirming the safety of their personnel.
Russia defended its operations, insisting strikes targeted military sites and claimed to remain open to diplomacy. The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had neutralized Ukrainian drones while conducting attacks on military infrastructure. Ukraine, however, reported intercepting nearly 600 incoming aerial threats, underscoring the intensifying missile and drone warfare as both sides exchange claims.
The EU summoning of Russia’s envoy and calls for tougher sanctions reflect mounting frustration over repeated attacks on civilians and diplomatic facilities, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the conflict in Ukraine.
