Russia launches second-biggest air assault of Ukraine war, killing 18 and damaging EU building

Russia launched its second-largest air assault on Ukraine since the commencement of the full-scale invasion, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 18 lives, including four innocent children, and causing significant damage to key diplomatic buildings in Kyiv.

Ukrainian authorities reported that a staggering 629 aerial weapons were fired overnight, comprising 598 drones and 31 missiles. This devastating barrage of attacks led to widespread destruction, with notable structures among the targets being a building housing the European Union mission and another belonging to the British Council. These incidents prompted the European Union and the United Kingdom to summon top Russian diplomats for diplomatic discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as a “horrific and deliberate killing of civilians,” urging stronger global condemnation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the strikes demonstrated Moscow’s willingness to “terrorize Ukraine” and reiterated the need for Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume peace negotiations.

Rescue operations continued across various sites in Kyiv, involving over 500 emergency workers and 1,000 police officers. The damage was extensive, affecting residential buildings, a kindergarten, transport infrastructure, and dozens of cars. Officials described the incident as a “combined attack from multiple directions.”

In response to the tragedy, Friday has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv. Flags are flown at half-mast, and entertainment events have been canceled.