European leaders and diplomats condemn latest Russian attack on Kyiv, call for pressure on Kremlin
European leaders, politicians and diplomats are reacting to the massive overnight attack by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities and calling for pressure on the Kremlin.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the Russian attack "terror and barbarity."
"Residential areas and civilian infrastructure were deliberately targeted. The offices of the European Union Delegation and the British Council were damaged. France condemns these senseless and brutal attacks in the strongest terms. Full support for the Ukrainian people and deepest condolences to all grieving families," he wrote on the social network X.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences to Ukrainians in connection with the Russian Federation attack and the damage to the British Council building.
"My thoughts are with all those affected by the senseless Russian strikes on Kyiv, which damaged the British Council building. Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes for peace. This bloodshed must end," he said.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkėvičius called the attack another horrific crime by Russia.
"Russia does not want peace, it wants war. Peace can be achieved through force - support for Ukraine and sanctions against the Russian Federation. I stand in solidarity with Ukraine in this tragic hour," he wrote.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stressed that "Russia is bringing war and death. Today is yet more proof. … The free world must increase its support for Ukraine and put pressure on Russia to agree to a credible ceasefire," she urged.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that "every Russian aggression in this unjust war is a new blow against peace. …The attack on a diplomatic mission is a new blatant violation of international law. My full solidarity with the staff of the EU Delegation in Kyiv, the victims of the attack and the Ukrainian people," he said on X.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said he was shocked by Russia's massive attack on Kyiv last night.
"Russian terror will not break us. We stand firmly with Ukraine and its people," he assured.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb condemned the Russian attack, stressing that the only thing that will force Putin to sit down at the negotiating table is pressure.
"Russia’s latest strikes on civilian targets in Kyiv are yet another example of three simple facts: 1. Russia has no intentions of ending this war. 2. Russia has not changed its main strategic aim of destroying the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. 3. Russian strikes on civilian targets are a blatant violation of international law. The only thing that President Putin understands, is power. The only thing that will bring him to the negotiating table is pressure. Finland will continue to support Ukraine with all necessary diplomatic, financial and military efforts. For as long as it takes,” he said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen strongly condemned the attack on Kyiv last night and expressed support for Ukraine.
"We are deeply saddened that these deadly attacks on the Ukrainian people continue. This clearly shows that Putin is not interested in peace. We have no choice but to continue our strong support for Ukraine," the Danish government said in a statement.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luiz Montenegro wrote that "in light of Russia's shocking and unacceptable attack on Ukraine, we express our full solidarity with the Ukrainian people and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy."
"Russia must urgently stop its aggression and respect the integrity of Ukraine," he added.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, commenting on Russia's massive strike on Kyiv, called for pressure on Russia.
"Putin proves again that he does not want peace. Last night's brutal attacks by Russia were aimed at destroying civilians far from the front. The only language Putin understands is pressure. This means tougher sanctions and unwavering military support for Ukraine," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Poland Radosław Sikorski said Putin was making a mockery of European and American peace efforts.
"Tonight, Putin's missiles killed Ukrainian civilians and damaged the building of the European Union Delegation. Everyone in our embassy is safe and sound. This is how Russia fights for peace," he said on X.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger condemned the missile attacks on Kyiv, which also damaged the office of the EU Delegation, calling it an unacceptable attack on a diplomatic facility.
"Europe must now act in a unified way - by continuing to support Ukraine," she urged.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Russia to immediately stop the aggression.
"Russia has again brutally shelled Kyiv with missiles and drones. The brave civilian population of Ukraine is suffering from Russia's illegal aggression. We call on Russia to immediately stop the war. Our response is even stronger support for Ukraine," the message says.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stressed after the Russian attack on Ukraine that "this shows a harsh reality: Putin chooses terror over peace."
"We must increase pressure on Russia to achieve a lasting peace," he urged.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost said that "Russia is once again demonstrating that it has no real desire for peace."
"It chooses terror, destruction and lies over dialogue,” he said.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said that "today's brutal attack on Kyiv is a terrible demonstration of Russia's contempt for peace negotiations."
"Russian missiles hit several buildings, including the EU representation. Shame on the aggressor. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The Czech Republic will continue to stand firmly on the side of Ukraine," he said.
