EU leaders condemn Russian strike on Kyiv that hit European Union mission's building

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Moscow’s actions once again showed its disregard for peace.

“While the world seeks a path to peace, Russia responds with missiles. The overnight attack on Kyiv shows a deliberate choice to escalate and mock the peace efforts. Russia must stop the killing and negotiate,” she said through the US social media company X.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia must end its indiscriminate bombings and return to negotiations.

“Another night of Russia’s relentless bombings struck civilian infrastructure and killed innocents. It also hit our EU Delegation in Kyiv. Our Delegation staff is safe. Russia must stop its indiscriminatory attacks on civilian infrastructure immediately and join negotiations for a just and lasting peace,” she said.

"We will come forward soon with our 19th package of hard, biting sanctions. And in parallel, we are advancing the work on the Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine's defense and reconstruction," she said in a press conference later in Brussels.

European Council President Antonio Costa expressed solidarity with the victims and the EU’s mission in Kyiv.

“Horrified by yet another night of deadly Russian missile attacks on Ukraine. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian victims and also with the staff of @EUDelegationUA, whose building was damaged in this deliberate Russian strike. The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people,” he said on X.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also voiced concern for EU staff targeted in the assault.

“The staff at the @EUDelegationUA are the EU's voice on the ground in Ukraine. Last night, their offices became a target of another indiscriminate Russian attack during this senseless aggression. My thoughts are with all our team in Kyiv and with the brave people of Ukraine who deserve to live in peace,” she said.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos denounced the strikes as “a clear sign that Russia rejects peace and chooses terror.”

She stressed the EU’s solidarity with the delegation staff and Ukrainian civilians enduring the war.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the strikes as acts of “terror and barbarity.”

“629 missiles and drones in one night on Ukraine: this is Russia’s idea of peace. Terror and barbarity. More than a dozen dead, including children. Residential areas and civilian infrastructure targeted. The offices of the EU Delegation and the British Council damaged."

"France condemns these senseless attacks of extreme cruelty in the strongest terms. Full support to the Ukrainian people, and deep compassion for all bereaved families,” he wrote on X.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said: "Russia has once again attacked and bombed Kyiv, civilians have died, children have died, and the EU representation has also been attacked."

"This cannot remain without consequences. We will discuss these consequences at the upcoming informal meeting of European foreign ministers in Copenhagen," he said, referring to the gathering scheduled for Friday and Saturday in the Danish capital.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the assault, noting damage to the British Council’s offices.

“My thoughts are with all those affected by the senseless Russian strikes on Kyiv which have damaged the British Council building. Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace. This bloodshed must end,” he said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez denounced the strike as another blatant violation of international law.

“Every act of aggression by Russia in this unjust war is another blow against peace. The attack on a diplomatic mission is a new blatant violation of international law. All my solidarity with the staff of the @EUDelegationUA in Kyiv, the victims, and the Ukrainian people," Sanchez said.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot noted that not only the EU delegation but also the British Council’s building was hit.

“Russia shows, once more, that it has no genuine will for peace. It chooses terror, destruction, and lies over dialogue. Belgium stands in full solidarity. We will not be silent. Ukraine will not stand alone,” he wrote on X.

Norway’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack in a statement on X.

“Russia has once again brutally shelled Kyiv with missiles and drones. Ukraine's brave civilian population is suffering from Russia's illegal aggression. We urge Russia to end its war immediately. Our response is even stronger support for Ukraine,” it said.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also condemned the strikes, confirming Poland’s embassy staff were safe.

"Putin’s rockets killed Ukrainian civilians tonight and damaged the EU Delegation building. In our embassy, everyone is safe and sound. This is how Russia fights for peace," he said.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry called for increased pressure on Moscow.

“Putin ignores every call for diplomacy and peace. Instead, he chooses mass violence over and over again. This time in Kyiv, where they are searching for civilians under the rubble. We must increase pressure, including through sanctions, and strengthen our support to Ukraine,” it said.,

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences, denouncing the assault as another grave act of violence.

"Another Russian attack during the night on Ukraine with drones and missiles caused innocent deaths and damaged several buildings, including that of the EU Delegation. I express my condolences to the entire Ukrainian people and my solidarity with the institutions of the European Union for this serious act of violence."

The Italian government is at the forefront in working to achieve a just and lasting peace, to guarantee the security of Ukraine and of all European citizens,” he said on X.

At least 14 people, including three children, were killed and 48 others injured in a Russian attack on Kyiv early Thursday, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The Kyiv City Military Administration said the number of casualties increased to 48 as of 9.34 am local time (0634GMT), with 12 confirmed deaths.

The Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office reported that the consequences of the morning strike were recorded in eight districts of the capital, including Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Solomyanskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Holosiivskyi, Obolonskyi, Svyatoshynskyi, and Desnyanskyi.

In the Darnytskyi district, part of a five-story residential building was destroyed, and rescue operations are underway to search for people trapped under the rubble. Windows in nearby high-rise buildings were shattered, cars were damaged, and private homes sustained destruction, the prosecutor’s office said.