Foreign officials and world leaders slammed Russia’s missile strike on Kyiv that killed at least nine and injured more than 60 on Thursday, April 24, calling it a brutal attack and a big blow to any hopes for peace.
United Kingdom: “A Vicious Attack”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the assault as “a vicious attack” and condemned it as incompatible with peace efforts.
“While Ukrainian ministers were in London working towards peace, Putin’s Russia was attacking the Ukrainian people,” Lammy wrote on X. “These are not the actions of a man of peace.”
Junior Foreign Minister Stephen Doughty added, “These absolutely horrific scenes are a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed and aggression perpetrated by Putin.”
European Union: “A Mockery of Peace”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Moscow’s actions directly contradict any claim to peace.
“While claiming to seek peace, Russia launched a deadly airstrike on Kyiv. This isn’t a pursuit of peace, it’s a mockery of it,” Kallas stated on X. “The real obstacle is not Ukraine but Russia, whose war aims have not changed.”
Czech Republic: “Support Ukraine Militarily”
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala pointed out that Ukraine had accepted a US-backed unconditional ceasefire, while Russia responded with renewed attacks on civilians.
“Putin has never cared about peace,” Fiala said. “The only path to peace in Europe lies in strong military support for Ukraine.”
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky echoed this stance, calling for increased aid.
“Kyiv and Kharkiv were shelled by Russian missiles. At least nine people were killed [eight deaths officially confirmed as at 3:30 p.m. Kyiv time] and 63 others were injured,” he said.
“Russia does not stop its brutal actions, and the democratic world must strengthen its support for Ukraine.”
Moldova: “Russia Seeks Only Destruction”
Moldovan President Maia Sandu called for more military aid for Ukraine, particularly air defense systems.
“While the world hopes for a ceasefire, Russia shows again it doesn’t seek peace - only death and destruction,” she wrote.
Latvia: “Peace Through Strength”
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braje said that peace must be ensured only through military pressure.
“Russia needs to be forced into peace, while Ukraine’s self defence has to be strengthened,” she said.
“Tonight’s massive attacks on civilians in Ukraine prove that the butcher in [the] Kremlin is committed to war, there isn’t a single indication for peace.”
Finland: “Hold Russia Accountable”
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians and announced that Helsinki is convening a Special Permanent Council in response to the constant attacks.
“Russia continues to target civilians showing no genuine interest in achieving peace.,” she said.
“Today we convene a Special Permanent Council in response to continued attacks on populated areas in Ukraine. We must ensure Russia’s accountability to achieve a just and lasting peace.”