Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union Delegation to Ukraine in Kyiv was harshly damaged by Russian airstrikes on Thursday, as the Ukrainian capital was hit by a massive attack overnight with numerous drones and missiles.
Prior Russian strikes against Kyiv have focused on residential accommodations, civilian infrastructure, and government locations − but not diplomatic mission buildings. This strike is distinctive in that they are an early example of diplomatic buildings being struck by Russian strikes in Kyiv, particularly the EU delegation office.
How severe was the russian airstrike on Kyiv?
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched around 629 drones, marking the second-largest attack of the war to date, along with cruise and ballistic missiles, at 20 locations in the city overnight.
According to reports, ten individuals, including at least one child, have been killed in a large-scale drone and missile attack by Russia on Kyiv.
How did EU Ambassador Katarina Mathernova respond publicly?
European Union ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, said that the delegation “was severely damaged by the shock wave” induced by a direct missile attack on a nearby civilian facility.
“Russia’s “peace” last night: a massive strike on Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles. At least 10 killed, 30 injured, many buildings destroyed,”
She noted.
“This is Moscow’s true answer to peace efforts.”
What message did EU Council President Antonio Costa deliver?
In response to the attack, EU Council President Antonio Costa expressed:
“Horrified by yet another night of deadly Russian missile attacks on Ukraine. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian victims and also with the staff of @EUDelegationUA, whose building was damaged in this deliberate Russian strike.”
“The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people,”
He said on X.
What protections does the Vienna Convention guarantee diplomatic missions?
The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations offers extremely robust protection of diplomatic and consular premises. Russia’s missile and drone attack on Kyiv inflicted substantial damage to the European Union delegation building and constitutes a deliberate attack on a diplomatic premises and a violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, which also offered protection to diplomatic and consular premises against intrusion or damage, as well as the obligation of the host state to protect these premises. While it is not unusual for such buildings to incur damage during wartime,
