EU leaders condemn Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure

Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure have drawn sharp condemnation from European Union leaders. In Kryvyi Rih, a drone attack on a shopping center resulted in at least 14 deaths and over 100 injuries, including 11 children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike as a cruel act that crosses the limits of humanity.

European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas labeled the attack on the shopping center as ‘deliberate terror’ intended to make normal life in Ukrainian cities impossible. She announced plans to present a list of the most extensive sanctions against Russia since the start of the war and emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air and missile defense systems. EU foreign and defense ministers are expected to discuss increased support for Ukraine during an upcoming meeting in Dublin.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia is targeting civilians and infrastructure because it is losing the war it started. Separate strikes involving ballistic and cruise missiles have also caused significant damage to residential buildings, a children’s hospital, and a school in the Kyiv region, as well as gas infrastructure in Chernihiv and a border crossing in the Odesa region.