Ursula von der Leyen pledges €1.4 bn aid after Russian missile strike kills 17 in Kyiv

In the early hours, Russian forces launched a barrage of 28 ballistic missiles at Kyiv, causing at least 17 deaths and more than 50 injuries. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that none of the missiles were intercepted.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack as "horrific atrocities" and announced a new financial package of over €1.4 billion for Ukraine. The funds will be drawn from the interest on Russian assets frozen in the EU, following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent appeal for additional missile‑defence support.

Von der Leyen warned Moscow that it must pay for the destruction it is causing and framed the aid as a step to help Ukraine sustain its resistance amid intensified Russian strikes.