Russia attacks EU building in Kyiv

Russia launched a deadly barrage across Ukraine on Thursday, punctuating a lull in attacks on Kyiv during President Trump’s peace efforts and damaging buildings at the heart of the capital, including those used by European officials, prompting an angry response from the continent’s leaders.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the strike, the second largest attack since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, was Moscow’s answer to diplomatic efforts to end its war.

At least 19 people, including four children, were killed in the capital, officials from the city administration said. “The targets? Not soldiers and weapons but residential areas in Kyiv—blasting civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians,” U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg said on Х.

The strikes took place less than two weeks after Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, a meeting the US President hoped would advance his peace efforts.

“Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table,” Zelenskiy said on X, calling for new sanctions on Russia. “It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.” Russia said its attack had hit military industrial facilities and air bases, and that Ukraine had also attacked Russian targets. The Kremlin said it was still interested in pursuing peace talks.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as one of the biggest attacks on the city in recent months. At least 63 people were wounded in the hours-long assault, which damaged buildings in all city districts, officials said.

Across the country, Ukraine’s military said Russian attacks struck 13 locations. National grid operator Ukrenergo said energy facilities were hit, causing power cuts. It seems that while Putin is agreeing to meetings to talk about peace, Russian actions show anything but a desire for it.