Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Russia’s “barbaric” drone and missile attack on Kyiv overnight, describing himself as “utterly appalled” by the strikes that killed at least 18 people and injured scores more. The barrage, which lasted 11 hours into Thursday morning, hit locations across a wide area of the Ukrainian capital, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
UK Prime Minister’s Response
In a statement read out by a Downing Street spokeswoman, the Prime Minister said: “I am utterly appalled by Russia’s latest barbaric assault on Kyiv, which has killed and injured innocent civilians. These attacks are a stark reminder that while Ukraine continues to pursue peace, Putin continues to inflict suffering and violence on the Ukrainian people. The UK will continue working with allies to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine in securing a just and lasting peace. We stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Moscow’s Justification
Authorities in Moscow said the bombardment was in retaliation for Ukraine’s ramped-up strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have caused fuel shortages and put pressure on President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin insisted its overnight strikes exclusively targeted military-linked sites.
Timing and Context
The attack came days before a crucial NATO summit begins in Ankara, Turkey, next Tuesday. The No 10 spokeswoman appeared to play down suggestions that the timing of Moscow’s strikes was deliberate, saying the Russian president “has proven throughout his barbaric war on Ukraine that he launches attacks indiscriminately”.
Civilian Toll
More than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago, according to the United Nations. The latest strikes underscore the ongoing threat to civilians as the war continues.
