By M10News International Desk
Thursday 28 August 2025 | London/Kyiv
The Kremlin has been accused of deliberately “targeting the EU” after a delegation building in Kyiv was damaged during a massive overnight Russian bombardment, described as the second largest aerial attack of the war.
EU building narrowly avoided a direct hit
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the attack struck within metres of an EU office in the Ukrainian capital, forcing staff to take shelter.
“I am outraged by Russia’s overnight assault on Kyiv, which struck dangerously close to our diplomatic mission,” she said. “Two missiles landed just 50 metres from our delegation building within 20 seconds. None of our staff was harmed, but this is a stark reminder of the barbarity we face.”
She accused Moscow of “blindly killing civilians, men, women, children – and now even targeting the European Union”.
Civilian toll mounts
Ukrainian officials said at least 18 people were killed, including a two-year-old child, while dozens more were injured. Residential blocks, hospitals and schools were among the buildings hit. Emergency services continue to search through rubble in several districts.
Residents described the strikes as “terrifying”. One survivor told M10News: “Fear pierces your body when you hear the missiles coming. You don’t know if your building will be next.”
Starmer: ‘Putin is killing children’
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the strikes, calling them evidence of Vladimir Putin’s “war against humanity”.
“Putin is killing children. This latest attack is not only an outrage against Ukraine but against the entire civilised world,” he said.
In response, the Foreign Office summoned Russia’s ambassador in London to deliver a formal protest.
Kyiv: the largest attacks since the war began
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the assault was the second most intense aerial bombardment since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, accusing Moscow of choosing “missiles over peace talks”.
He urged China and other global powers to react to what he called “escalating terror”.
“This is Russia’s answer to diplomacy — missile strikes on civilians and diplomatic missions,” Zelenskyy said.
Europe vows more sanctions.
Von der Leyen announced that the EU would move forward with its 19th package of sanctions against Moscow, promising they would be hard-hitting and designed to choke off resources funding the war.
“Europe stands united with Ukraine. Russia will not succeed in terrorising us into submission,” she declared.
Growing outrage across the West
NATO allies condemned the strikes, with officials in Washington and Berlin emphasising that the attacks highlighted the critical need to bolster Ukraine’s air defences.
Military analysts said Russia’s targeting of Kyiv — including areas close to diplomatic compounds — may mark a shift in tactics designed to intimidate European partners directly.
For now, Kyiv residents are bracing for more attacks. As one man who emerged from a damaged apartment block put it: “We survive one night, but tomorrow the sirens will sound again.”
M10News World Desk | Contact: world@m10news.com
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