EU summons Russian envoy after deadly attack on Kyiv, 19 killed

The European Union (EU) summoned Russia’s charge d’affaires in Brussels after a massive overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, that killed at least 19 civilians, among whom four children, and injured dozens more, officials said on Aug. 28.

The strikes struck five of the capital’s 10 administrative districts and destroyed residential buildings, including the infliction of damage on the EU’s offices of its diplomatic mission in Kyiv. 

“No diplomatic mission should ever be targeted,” said European Commission spokesperson Anetta Hipper, who confirmed that the European External Action Service had called in Russia’s top envoy to the EU.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as “a terrible night for Kyiv.” 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the barrage was Moscow’s response to growing international calls for a ceasefire and negotiations. 

“Russia chooses ballistics instead of negotiations at the table,” he said. 

He urged China and Hungary, both countries that pressed for peace talks, to respond firmly to the attack. 

“The death of children should definitely stir far greater emotions than anything else,” Zelenskyy said.

Jaroszlava Hartyányi, President of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations and Second Vice President of the UWC, accused Moscow of deliberately waiting until foreign guests had left Kyiv during Independence Day events before resuming attacks.  

“Russian terrorists waited until foreign guests left, then began killing residents of Ukraine’s capital again. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the innocent Ukrainians who were killed,” said.

Thus, Aug. 29 has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv. 

Rescue and clearing operations were still underway as of the evening of Aug.28.