Russia's ambassador to the EU summoned following Moscow's Kyiv attack that resulted in mission damage
EU Leaders Respond to Strike on Ukraine Delegation
European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen addressed the press in Brussels following a strike on the EU's delegation in Ukraine. The attack, which occurred in close proximity to the delegation, saw two missiles hit within 50 metres of the mission in a 20-second span.
Von der Leyen called the strike an attack on the EU delegation in Ukraine and considered the damage as another reminder of the need to increase pressure on Russia. EU officials shared a picture of the damaged inside of an office and an aerial view of an obliterated building near the delegation.
Von der Leyen stated that the strike shows Russia's willingness to terrorize Ukraine and indiscriminately kill civilians. She plans to travel to seven countries on the EU's eastern flank from Friday to discuss the situation with the seven EU member states that have a land border with Russia or Belarus: Lettland, Finland, Estonia, Polen, Litauen, Bulgarien, and RumΓ€nien.
In response to the attack, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the summoning of the Russian envoy in Brussels. The EU is also strengthening and protecting the EU's external borders with Russia and Belarus.
Hundreds of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets are being discussed for supporting Ukraine. The interest earned from the frozen assets is currently being used to arm Ukraine and finance its post-war reconstruction. The estimated annual windfall from the interest is between 2.5 billion euros and 3 billion euros.
Von der Leyen spoke with the EU's deputy ambassador on site and was relieved that none of the staff were harmed. No specific countries were named in the travel plan, but it is expected that leaders will discuss a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow.
The EU delegation in Ukraine remains operational, and Von der Leyen reiterated the EU's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU will continue to stand with Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
