After an unprecedented attack from Russia to Ukraine, which included the use of over 800 drones and first reached the government’s headquarters in Kiev, world leaders expressed their conviction and reinforced support for Ukraine. The bombardment caused significant deaths and damage to civil and government buildings in Kiev and other cities.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said the attack on Russia “mocks diplomacy, trampling international law and kills indiscriminately.” In her social networks, she stressed that Europe “supports and will continue to fully support Ukraine,” promising to harden sanctions against Russia and strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces. “The killing must be interrupted,” he concluded.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia is “increasingly entrenched in the logic of war and terror.” He highlighted the brutality of the attack, which “indiscriminately” reached “residential areas and the government’s headquarters in Kiev. Macron stressed the determination of Ukraine’s allies to ensure “just and lasting peace” and expressed solidarity with the victims.
European Council President António Costa echoed his criticism, denouncing the “(Vladimir) Peace Version”, which, he said, consists of “talking about peace while bombings intensify.” Costa defended the maintenance of military support to Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia through additional sanctions.
Zelensky asks for more sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky classified the attack as a “conscious crime and an extension of war,” and made a direct appeal to international partners. Zelensky charged the United States to impose new sanctions in a veiled criticism of President Donald Trump. He also asked the recently signed security agreements in Paris to be implemented, including the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense, fundamental to saving civil lives.
Missiles and drones attack other cities
In addition to Kiev, the Russian attack has reached other cities such as Odessa (South), Zaporizehzhya (South), Kremenchuk (center) Krivoy Rog (east) and Dnipropetrovsk (east). The Russian forces used nine Iskander-K cruise missiles and four Iskander-M/KN-K23 ballistic missiles, as well as drones. In Odessa, three people were injured and a sports gym was damaged. In the cities of Krivoy Rog and Dnipropetrovsk, the attack injured four people and caused infrastructure damage, including administrative buildings and companies. In Kremenchuk, the electricity was interrupted in part of the city.
The Ukraine Air Force managed to shoot down 747 of the 810 Shahed drones launched by Russia, as well as four Iskander-K cruise missiles. Despite the efficiency of the defense, 54 drones and nine missiles reached their targets, causing destruction and deaths.
