Kyiv hotel housing European Parliament staff hit in Russian bombardment; EU calls for more sanctions

A hotel in Kyiv, where members of the European Parliament staff were staying, was struck during a large-scale Russian air assault overnight Wednesday into Thursday. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola confirmed that the staff were safe, though she shared a striking image of the hotel engulfed in flames on social media platform X.

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Another terrible night in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after the massive attack last night with Russian missiles and drones. I am relieved that the European Parliament staff there are safe, after the place where they were staying was hit. My thoughts go out to all who lost loved ones, to the injured, and to all who had to spend the night under attack again.

"Another terrible night in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after the massive attack last night with Russian missiles and drones," Metsola posted. "I am relieved that the European Parliament staff there are safe, after the place where they were staying was hit. My thoughts go out to all who lost loved ones, to the injured, and to all who had to spend the night under attack again."

Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, echoed the sentiment, confirming the safety of the European Parliament delegation. She emphasized that mere words of condemnation are insufficient. "Only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow can stop the attacks on Kyiv," Kallas stated. She announced plans to propose sanctions against more entities supporting Russia's military-industrial complex, adding, "The more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed."

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Only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow can stop the attacks on Kyiv. Today I will propose sanctioning more entities that support Russia's military-industrial complex. The more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on X that at least 13 people, including children, were killed in the attack on the capital, with over 90 injured. He extended condolences to the families of the victims. The attack also caused casualties in the Kharkiv and Kyiv regions, with infrastructure also targeted. Kyiv's administration stated that Russia launched ballistic missiles and drones, causing destruction in over 30 areas, including residential buildings. The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, claimed its forces conducted a "massive attack with high-precision, long-range weapons" targeting military and energy infrastructure in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions.

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Up to now, it is known that 13 people have unfortunately been killed in this Russian attack. Condolences to the families and loved ones. More than 90 people were injured. Everyone who needs it is receiving all necessary assistance. In the Kharkiv region, five victims were recorded, including a child, and in the Kyiv region, two people were injured, where the strikes also targeted civilian infrastructure.