Russian missile attacks in Kyiv have severely damaged the EU delegation to Ukraine, sparking outrage among European leaders. The nearby British Council compound, believed to have been the intended target, was also hit.
Katarina Mathernov, ambassador of the European Union, shared pictures of the wrecked building on social media, saying that the damage came from the shock wave.
It showed falling ceilings and shattered windows.
“This is Moscow’s true answer to peace efforts”, Mathernov said.
All EU staff were reportedly unharmed.
The EU summoned the Russian envoy, while the Kremlin said it was still interested in continuing the negotiation process.
The strikes were part of Russian nighttime attacks on Kyiv on August 28 that killed at least 17 people, including four children. Around 50 people were reported injured.
Russia reportedly launched 629 drones and 31 missiles, including hypersonic weapons, at Kyiv that night, with the Kremlin claiming its strikes were aimed at military targets.
Russia’s “peace” last night: a massive strike on Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles.
At least 10 killed, 30 injured, many buildings destroyed.
The EU Delegation was severely damaged by the shock wave.
This is Moscow’s true answer to peace efforts. pic.twitter.com/26pxCwAvxa
— Katarina Mathernova 🇪🇺 (@kmathernova) August 28, 2025
“Horrified by yet another night of deadly Russian missile attacks on Ukraine”, the President of the European Council, António Costa, said.
“The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people.”
Kaja Kallas, vice president of the European Commission and the EU’s foreign affairs representative said: “While the world seeks a path to peace, Russia responds with missiles. The overnight attack on Kyiv shows a deliberate choice to escalate and mock the peace efforts. Russia must stop the killing and negotiate.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave a press conference on August 28.
She said she was “outraged”.
According to von der Leyen, the attacks were “another grim reminder of what is at stake” and showed “that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine, blindly killing civilians, men, women, children and even targeting the European Union.”
She announced that the EU would tighten the sanctions regime and would soon come forward with the 19th sanction package, and would advance work on a possible seizure of Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.
“And of course we’re ensuring strong unwavering support to Ukraine, our neighbour, partner, friend and out future member”.
She said she would visit the seven EU member states that are strengthening external borders with Russia and Belarus, and would share the progress made in the “building of a strong European defence industry”.
Von der Leyen said EU staff in Kyiv have to work in extremely difficult conditions, saying she would express her gratitude in person when she next visited Kyiv.
I'm outraged by the missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing men, women and children.
And damaging our EU diplomatic mission.
My thoughts go to our brave staff.
Russia's strikes on Kyiv will only strengthen Europe's unity and Ukraine's defiance ↓ https://t.co/VzuBWIPxzH
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 28, 2025
The main target of the attack appeared to have been a British Council building, that was hit with two missile strikes early in the morning, twenty seconds apart.
There was video footage of the attack, which was shared online.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer called the attacks “senseless”.
“Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace. This bloodshed must end,” Starmer said.
He accused Russia of “sabotaging hopes for peace”.
According to the UK government, the British Council offered English language programmes to Ukrainians, but according to Russia, it was a front for British spies.
British Council office damaged in Kyiv
The agency reported significant damage, closing the office until further notice.
Verified video footage from The Telegraph shows a Russian missile striking the building on Zhylyanska Street this morning. The British Council office is on… pic.twitter.com/Mh85NE48ea
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 28, 2025
