At least 18 people died in the massive Russian attacks on Kyiv. The office of the EU representation was severely damaged. International outrage over Russia's"ruthlessness" and "barbarism" is widespread.

Following the Russian air strikes on Kyiv, which left at least 18 dead and landed in the immediate vicinity of the EU representation, there is a great outcry across Europe – and threats of consequences are growing louder.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a swift submission of new sanctions proposals against Russia. According to diplomats, the latest Russian attack could lead to an acceleration of work on a 19th package of sanctions against Russia – and the measures could be significantly more stringent.

Von der Leyen stated that she had spoken by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump after the attack. She called for transforming Ukraine into a"steel porcupine." The so-called "Porcupine Strategy" would involve supplying Ukraine with weapons systems that would enable it to strike back much more forcefully than before in the event of renewed Russian aggression.

The European Union also intends to summon Russian envoy Vladimir Chizhov in response to the attack. London also summoned the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Office, as the British Cultural Institute in Kyiv was also damaged.

At least 18 dead after attacks on Kyiv

In addition to 629 drones, Russia also used two Kinzhal ("Dagger") hypersonic missiles, nine Iskander ballistic missiles, and 20 X-101 cruise missiles in the recent attacks at 13 locations, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. According to official figures, at least 18 people were killed in the capital, Kyiv. These included four children, the head of the Kyiv Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, said on Telegram.

According to authorities, around 50 people were injured. According to von der Leyen, two rockets hit within 20 seconds, 50 meters from the EU representation. No employees were among the injured.

"It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine, blindly killing civilians, men, women and children, and even targeting the European Union," said the Commission President.

Merz condemns"unscrupulousness," Macron speaks of "barbarism"

Chancellor Friedrich Merz also condemned the Russian attacks "in the strongest possible terms." He wrote on Platform X: "The fact that the EU representation has now also come under fire is a testament to the growing ruthlessness of the Russian regime." Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul demanded that the Russian attack should not go unchallenged. He assumed that the US would also seriously consider further sanctions.

"This is Russia's idea of peace: terror and barbarism," declared French President Emmanuel Macron. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that the attack on the EU representation building in Kyiv was"another blatant violation of international law."

For NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the"horrific attack" on "innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure" is a clear indication that NATO must be strengthened."We should not be naive about Vladimir Putin. And last night is proof of that." Russia will not achieve its goals with its war effort because its support for Ukraine continues.

Council President Costa speaks of deliberate attack

EU Council President António Costa also expressed his dismay at the nighttime attacks on Ukraine. He described the Russian attack on the Union's diplomatic mission as deliberate."The EU will not be intimidated. Russia's aggression only strengthens our determination to stand by Ukraine and its people," he said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha accused Russia on Platform X of deliberately targeting diplomats.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the Russian drone and missile strikes were Moscow's response to the ceasefire and calls for genuine diplomacy that have been demanded for weeks and months. Russia is taking advantage of the fact that part of the world turns a blind eye to the killing of children. With Kremlin President Vladimir Putin's multi-day trip to China beginning on Sunday, Zelenskyy called on Beijing to respond to the Russian attacks.

British Council cultural institute severely damaged

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Russia of sabotaging any hope for peace. The Russian attacks on Kyiv damaged not only the EU representation building, but also the British Council. The building is located not far from the EU representation on Zhylyanska Street in the center of the capital.

The British Council, a non-profit organization promoting international relations, announced that its offices were severely damaged and that the cultural institution would remain closed for the time being. A security guard was injured. The organization will attempt to continue working with its Ukrainian partners and offering language and cultural courses.

The editorial staff of the online newspaper Ukrajinska Pravda also reported damage to their offices.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied accusations by the EU and Ukraine that they had targeted residential buildings and diplomatic facilities. The ministry stated that the targets were defense factories and Ukrainian air bases. All targets were hit. The Kremlin has so far not responded to photos of completely destroyed residential buildings and videos showing the enormous extent of the damage in the Ukrainian capital.