Russia Strikes EU Delegation in Kyiv, Causing Destruction and Chaos
KYIV — The reverberations from Russia’s recent attack on Kyiv have left the European Union delegation in the Ukrainian capital in a state of severe damage, as confirmed by the bloc’s ambassador Katarina Mathernova on Thursday morning.
The overnight strike, a part of Moscow’s strategy to instill fear and disorder, has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and numerous injuries, with widespread destruction throughout the city.
“This is Russia’s clear response to peace initiatives,” Mathernova declared.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reassured that all members of the EU delegation are accounted for and safe.
“Russia must halt its indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure immediately and engage in negotiations for a fair and lasting peace,” she emphasized on social media.
European Council President António Costa expressed his shock at the attack and conveyed solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the EU staff.
“The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only serves to strengthen our determination to stand alongside Ukraine and its citizens,” Costa asserted.
The Vienna Convention of 1961 provides for the protection of diplomatic and consular premises from intrusion or harm, although it is not uncommon for these facilities to be impacted during times of conflict. The Kremlin has consistently shown a disregard for international norms throughout its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
High Representative Kaja Kallas characterized the assault as a “decision to escalate and ridicule peace efforts”, in reference to the initiative led by US President Donald Trump and supported by European allies. The current negotiations are focused on establishing security assurances for Ukraine and arranging a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the latter of whom seems reluctant to participate.
In response, Zelenskyy urged the international community to increase pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful discussions.
“Russia continues to act without fear of consequences. Russia persists in exploiting the fact that some parts of the world overlook the deaths of innocent children and make excuses for Putin,” Zelenskyy stated.
“It is unequivocally time for stringent sanctions against Russia for its actions. Numerous diplomatic opportunities have been squandered, and all deadlines have been ignored. Russia must be held accountable for every attack, for every day of this conflict.”
Euronews has reached out to the European Commission for further comment. — Euronews
