FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
After one of the darkest nights for Kiev, where Russian missiles and drones struck the heart of the Ukrainian capital, causing at least 18 casualties, including four children, the United Kingdom has taken strong diplomatic action by urgently summoning the Russian ambassador to London, Andrey Kelin, to demand accountability.
The British Council building and the offices of the EU Delegation in Kiev were damaged by airstrikes, while civilian housing was completely destroyed in the Darnytskyi district. Ukrainian authorities report that many people are still under the rubble.
A spokesman for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on behalf of the British government: “The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms these outrageous attacks on Ukrainian civilians and the damage to diplomatic facilities such as the British Council and the EU Delegation. These are brutal acts that constitute an irresponsible escalation of the war by Russia, sabotaging international peace efforts. We have made clear to Russia that these actions will only strengthen our resolve to support Ukraine. Russia must immediately stop this senseless killing and destruction.”
In a rare move, Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin, upon his arrival at the Foreign Office, rolled down his car window in front of the cameras – an unusual gesture for diplomats – but made no comment. A signal that, according to analysts, indicates Russia's diplomatic tension and isolation.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the ambassador's call and called the attack a horrific act of war:
"Putin is killing innocent civilians and deliberately destroying cities. Britain will not remain silent. We have summoned the Russian ambassador to account. This horror must stop."
While Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed in a special statement that the United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine "unconditionally and without hesitation."
The attack, which took place overnight, involved more than 600 missiles and drones, according to Ukrainian sources. A five-story residential building was hit hard in the eastern Darnytskyi district, where most of the victims died.
So far, 18 deaths have been confirmed, including four children, including a two-year-old girl. Ukrainian authorities say search and rescue efforts are continuing, as many people are believed to be still trapped under the rubble.
Other buildings near the city center, including diplomatic missions and international cultural institutions, suffered significant damage. The damage to the British Council was described as "unacceptable" by British diplomacy and provoked a strong reaction in Brussels.
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