A massive Russian attack on Ukrainian capital Kyiv in the early hours of this morning has sent shockwaves across Europe.

The many hundreds of drones and missiles that rained down on largely residential premises in 20 separate locations of the city were further proof that Russia’s declared ‘desire for peace’ is not one that can be easily understood.

In a note over social media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called today’s attack “intolerable”; the wider government has called it “unspeakable”, while Portugal’s ‘top man in Europe’ António Costa – president of the European Council – has spoken of his ‘horror’.

At least 17 people lost their lives (three of them children), and many more were injured (details of the injuries rarely come) – but while the bulk of damage was to residential property, the offices of the EU delegation were also hit (and badly). No-one was hurt, and the personnel that work in those offices are all safe. The implications of this attack however can be read on multiple levels, none of them being positive.

Russia’s economy is careering over a cliff due to its focus on the war/ sanctions and swingeing US tariffs imposed on countries, like India, to try and stop them purchasing Russian oil.

Where this conflict is going after three-and-a-half terrible years is what every country in Europe is concerned with.

For now, António Costa, European Commissioner Ursula Von der Leyen, and no doubt the rest of the ‘European nucleus’, are saying ‘don’t think this weakens our support for Ukraine. It does just the opposite’.

“The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people”, wrote Mr Costa this morning.