Russia struck the EU representation in Kyiv: how the world reacts to the escalation.

According to FREEДOM:

Reaction to the shelling of Kyiv

Lithuania and Austria condemned Russia's shelling of Kyiv on the evening of August 28 and called for active support for Ukraine. As a result of the massive strike, the EU representation was damaged, and a guard of the British Council was injured. Many European politicians consider this strike intentional.

Details of the attack

On the night of August 28, Russia launched a large-scale strike on the capital of Ukraine, using drones and missiles. Residential buildings were damaged, in particular, an entire entrance of a five-story building was destroyed, there are fatalities, and civilian infrastructure was also affected. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, emphasized that this is a direct violation of the Vienna Convention.

“The EU mission in Ukraine was damaged. This requires condemnation not only from the EU but from the whole world. We express our solidarity with our EU colleagues and are ready to provide assistance,” Sybiha noted.

Position of Great Britain

The Foreign Secretary of Great Britain reported that he summoned the Russian ambassador after the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of peaceful Ukrainians and damage to buildings, including the premises of the British Council in Kyiv.

“As a result of Putin's strikes... peaceful residents were killed, houses were destroyed and buildings damaged, including the British Council and the EU delegation in Kyiv. We summoned the Russian ambassador. The killings and destruction must stop,” said the Foreign Secretary of Great Britain, David Lammy.

Reaction of the EU

Due to the Russian attack, the premises of the EU representation in Kyiv were also damaged, and the shockwave seriously damaged a residential building where many employees of the EU representation live. The European External Action Service, under the leadership of the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, summoned the temporary chargé d'affaires of Russia to the EU regarding this.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen noted that this demonstrates the Kremlin's unwillingness to stop terror against peaceful Ukrainians.

“This was the deadliest drone and missile attack on the capital since July. The attack occurred very close to the diplomatic mission. This is another grim reminder of what is at stake. The Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine,” the head of the European Commission noted.

Prospects and reaction of the international community

The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that the strikes were aimed at military-industrial facilities. However, over the past few months, dozens of people have died as a result of such attacks.

“We are shocked by what happened, as these attacks are aimed not at military but at civilian objects. Peaceful residents sleep at night or go about their business during the day, coming under attacks from these Russian missiles,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The EU ambassador in Kyiv, Katerina Maternova, emphasized that Russia deliberately struck the premises near the EU representation in Ukraine.

“The war has dragged the European Union in. And no one will convince me that it was not Putin's intention. This is terror,” Maternova emphasized.

European politicians believe that a response to Russia's attack on Kyiv, in particular on the EU's diplomatic mission, is necessary, and any actions will be taken collectively.

“We have no illusions about the extent of the threat posed by Russia. This cannot go unanswered. We need to discuss the consequences at an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen,” summarized the German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky also awaits a reaction from China, as China has repeatedly called for an end to the war.

“The death of children should evoke great emotions. We need a reaction from everyone in the world who called for peace. It's time for a new wave of strict sanctions against Russia,” the president noted.

The head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, believes that Russia will not be able to intimidate the EU with such strikes, and the Kremlin's aggression will only strengthen the European Union's determination to support Ukraine and its people.