Von der Leyen wrote on social media that she was “outraged by the missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing men, women and children. And damaging our EU diplomatic mission. My thoughts go to our brave staff. Russia’s strikes on Kyiv will only strengthen Europe’s unity and Ukraine’s defiance.”
In a previous post, von der Leyen confirmed that the delegation staff were safe.
“Another night of Russia’s relentless bombings struck civilian infrastructure and killed innocents. It also hit our EU Delegation in Kyiv. Our delegation staff is safe. Russia must stop its indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure immediately and join negotiations for a just and lasting peace,” she stated.
Von der Leyen also wrote that she would travel the following day to seven EU member states that “strengthen and protect our external borders with Russia and Belarus.”
She stated: “I want to express the EU’s full solidarity with them. And share the progress we're making in building a strong European defence industry, esp. through SAFE.”
EU officials vow solidarity and support for defence
President of the EU Commision Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos commented on the situation in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 28 August, 2025. Photo: PAP/Wiktor Dąbkowski/Vladyslav Musiienko/Albert
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos condemned the strikes on social media:
“The EU Delegation in Kyiv was damaged by today’s Russian strikes on civilian areas. I strongly condemn these brutal attacks, a clear sign that Russia rejects peace and chooses terror. Our full solidarity goes to EU staff, their families, and all Ukrainians enduring this aggression.”
Polish Embassy in Kyiv confirms that all staff is safe after Russian attacks
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski wrote on social media: “Putin’s missiles killed Ukrainian civilians last night and damaged the EU Delegation building. Everyone at our embassy is safe and unharmed. This is how Russia fighs for peace.”
European Council President António Costa also commented on social media: “The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people.”
Casualties rise in Kyiv
Ukrainian authorities reported that at least 15 people were killed in the attacks overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, including three children aged two, 14, and 17.
Around 50 others were injured, hundreds of buildings were damaged, and numerous fires broke out.
Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a Russian strike on a five-storey residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, 28 August 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Photo: SERGEY DOLZHENKO/PAP/EPA
As a result of the attack, Ukrainian trains and other infrastructure were damaged. Photo: PAP/Vladyslav Musiienko
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Source: IAR/X/@vonderleyen/@eucopresident/@MartaKosEU/@sikorskiradek