European leaders have accused Vladimir Putin of undermining peace talks following Russian missile strikes on Kyiv that killed at least 23 people, including four children, and damaged diplomatic buildings. The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, said the attacks showed Russia was “mocking any kind of peace efforts” and reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Ukraine.
The statement condemning the strikes was endorsed by the UK and all EU member states except Hungary, which is led by Putin ally Viktor Orbán. Kallas described the attacks as “intentional attacks against civilians” that amounted to war crimes, vowing to increase pressure on Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was massing up to 100,000 troops near the eastern city of Pokrovsk, preparing offensive actions. He urged Western allies to impose further sanctions, stating: “When instead of diplomacy, Russia chooses ballistics … the world must respond accordingly.”
The EU announced plans for a 19th round of sanctions against Russia, increased military aid, and discussions on seizing €210bn of frozen Russian assets. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Putin would “play” US President Donald Trump if the Russian leader refused to meet Zelenskyy, while France and Germany pledged to boost air defence supplies to Ukraine.
The British Council’s Kyiv headquarters was rendered “unusable” after a nearby blast blew out windows and destroyed ceilings. Director Colm McGivern said staff were “more determined than ever” to continue cultural activities, despite what he called a “barbaric attack”.
