Russia launched a massive air attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, killing at least 21 people and destroying many homes and buildings. The strike also damaged an EU mission office and a British Council building. People in Kyiv had to hide in bomb shelters and subway stations during a nine-hour air raid alert.
European leaders strongly condemned the attack. EU President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “outraged,” calling it proof that Russia will stop at nothing, even targeting civilians and European institutions. She said Russian President Vladimir Putin must come to the negotiating table. The EU, Spain, and the UK summoned Russian diplomats in protest. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Putin is “killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace.”
In the US, President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” but “not surprised” by the strikes. His spokesperson added that Trump wants the war to end, but both Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky must agree to peace. The White House envoy for Ukraine also called the attack “egregious.”
Survivors described terrifying scenes. One man said his building collapsed after the explosion. He escaped, but his wife is still missing.
This attack comes just weeks after Trump met Putin to try to end the war. However, peace talks have not moved forward. Zelensky’s team has been meeting world leaders, including Saudi officials, while Putin plans to visit China for a military parade.
Russia also captured two villages in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine struggles to defend against stronger Russian forces. Zelensky said Russia chooses “bombs instead of peace talks” and warned the world that Moscow does not fear consequences .The attack is another sign of how dangerous and destructive the war remains.
-Peace News Desk