European politicians have responded to Russia’s overnight massive assault on Ukrainian cities, calling for increased pressure on Moscow.
This was reported by Ukrinform.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed support for Ukraine amid the Russian strikes:
“Last night’s massive and brutal Russian strikes have killed and wounded civilians throughout Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv. This attack lays bare Russia’s ruthless way of warfare. Norway stands firmly united with our partners in our support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom,” he wrote on social platform X.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna expressed condolences to those affected and called for stronger pressure on Russia:
“An appalling number of people were killed in one of Russia’s most brutal attacks on Kyiv yet. My heart goes out to all those suffering because pressure on Putin to stop has been insufficient. I say it again: only strong, sustained economic and political pressure on Russia can end this cycle of death & destruction.”
Moldovan President Maia Sandu also condemned the attack and called for strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and taking decisive action:
“Another night of Russian terror on Kyiv. Civilians murdered, homes reduced to rubble. This is cold-blooded, systematic violence. Moldova strongly condemns this brutality.” Sandu stressed that Ukraine urgently needs enhanced air defense systems and decisive international action, as any delay empowers the aggressor.
Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman also condemned Russia’s attack:
“I strongly condemn the brutal attack on a children’s hospital, kindergarten, student dormitory, and residential building in Kyiv. Striking the most vulnerable is a shocking breach of humanity and international norms,” he wrote on X.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, commenting on the Russian strikes, called for tougher EU sanctions:
“Russia is a terrorist state that continues to act on its true intentions every day: the destruction of Ukraine. A ‘wait and see’ attitude or simply hoping for peace will not stop the Kremlin. The root cause of this aggression is Russia itself, and it must be addressed without delay. The 18th EU sanctions package must be adopted now. It must strike at the heart of Russia’s war economy – energy and finance – which fuels its aggression. Strength is the only language the Kremlin understands,”
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, reacting to the massive overnight attack, especially on Kyiv, reaffirmed his country’s support for Ukraine:
“While attention is understandably focused on the Middle East, Putin continues his brutal aggression in Ukraine. Tonight saw another heavy strike, including on Kyiv. But this will not go unnoticed. We will tirelessly continue to support Ukraine and strengthen its defense.”
As reported, throughout the night of June 17, Russia launched a combined massive attack on 27 locations in Kyiv. According to preliminary data, 15 people were killed and 114 injured, with 68 hospitalized. In Odesa, one person was killed and 10 injured.
Source: European politicians condemn Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine
