After a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, firefighters work to extinguish flames and clear debris at a damaged apartment building on 28 August. Image: AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky.
(The Post News) – A day after Russian airstrikes killed civilians and damaged the European Union’s (EU) delegation office, EU leaders and officials gathered in Copenhagen to voice outrage. They condemned the attack as mocking the ongoing peace efforts and vowed to apply more pressure against Moscow.
On 28 August, Russia fired nearly 600 drones and over 30 ballistic and cruise missiles in its latest and deadliest assault on Kyiv this month, according to Ukrainian officials. Two of the missiles struck near the EU delegation office in central Kyiv, shattering windows and doors. The bombardment also demolished a five-story residential block in the Darnytskyi district, killing 23 people, including four children between the ages of 2 and 17.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that no staff or member was injured in the attack, noting that the attack demonstrated Moscow’s unrelenting readiness to aggressively target Ukraine yet again. Brussels and London have summoned Russian envoys to Britain, as the British Council office was also badly damaged in the attack.
At the Copenhagen meeting, EU leaders, including foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, said President Vladimir Putin was “mocking peace efforts” and called for stronger measures, including expanding sanctions and increasing military support for Ukraine. Lithuania’s defense minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, described hopes for peace as “naive,” while Ireland’s defense minister, Simon Harris, urged “more measures to increase the pressure on Russia to end this brutal and aggressive war.”
Zelensky Contacts EU Leaders and Trump’s Reaction
In a virtual meeting with EU leaders, which included the leaders of Estonia, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to respond with harsher repercussions. He said the attack was not only against Ukraine but also “Europe’s conscience.”
Mediator Donald Trump has not personally spoken on the matter, but White House representatives said he was “not surprised” and continues to push for a ceasefire. Delivering on security guarantees, the United States approved an $825 million arms package for Kyiv, including long-range missiles to strengthen its defenses.
A bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin is now off the table, but Trump is expected to meet Zelensky’s aides in New York on Friday.
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