Closing summary
… and on that note, it’s a wrap!
The UK and European Union have summoned their Russian envoys after overnight missile strikes on Kyiv killed at least 18 people and damaged the city’s British Council and EU offices (9:43, 10:19, 10:29, 10:27, 11:38, 11:52, 11:56, 13:23, 15:23).
European leaders condemned the attacks, calling them “a blow” to peace efforts (11:04), and acts of “senseless” and “horrific” violence (11:18, 13:52), instisting they cannot “remain without consequences” (11:54, 15:16).
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko urged partners to ramp up pressure on Russia as they called for further sanctions against Moscow (11:24, 16:12).
And that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at jakub.krupa@theguardian.com.
I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
18 dead, 48 injured after Kyiv strikes as Meloni criticises 'senseless' Russian attacks
The latest death toll update from the Ukrainian authorities said that at least 18 people died, and 48 were injured after last night’s strike, Associated Press reported.
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni was the latest European leader to respond to the attacks, saying that they “demonstrate who stands on the side of peace and who has no intention of believing in the negotiating path.”
“Our thoughts go to the Ukrainian people, to civilians, to the families of defenceless victims, including children, of the senseless Russian attacks,” she said.
US envoy Kellogg criticises Russia's 'egregious' attacks on Kyiv
In a first US reaction to overnight strikes, Donald Trump’s special peace envoy Keith Kellogg called them “egregious” and warned that they “threaten the peace that [Trump] is pursuing.”
He pointedly said that the target of the attacks were “not soldiers and weapons, but residential areas in Kyiv – blasting civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians.”
So far, there has been no public reaction from Trump himself.
'Until Russia takes real steps towards peace, pressure must be intensified,' Zelenskyy says after call with EU's von der Leyen
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now offered his readout from his call with the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen (15:13), thanking for “the condolences and solidarity with our people” after last night’s massive strikes on Kyiv.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said:
“Last night was one of the largest attacks on Ukraine. The Russians chose Kyiv as their main target. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing. We are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine now and does not remain silent.”
He added that during his call with von der Leyen, the pair “discussed our diplomatic efforts to stop the killings, to end this unprovoked Russian aggression, and to guarantee real security for our people.”
“There is much work being done at various levels precisely for this purpose. But until Russia takes real steps toward peace, the pressure on it must be intensified. Ursula shared updates on the preparation of the 19th EU sanctions package and coordination with other partners,” he said.
He also added that they touched upon the on-going accession process, as Ukraine continues to work towards joining the EU.
Germany's Rheinmetall opens new ammunition factory, largest in Europe when running at capacity
in Berlin
With growing discussions about Europe’s defence capabilities, weapons manufacturing giant Rheinmetall has opened a new ammunition factory in the north of Germany yesterday, which will be the largest in Europe when it reaches full capacity.
Inaugurating the plant in the presence of Nato’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, as well as Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius and vice-chancellor Lars Klingbeil, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said similar sites could be built at speed to create a “pan-European defence ecosystem”.
Papperger said countries like Lithuania and Britain were already developing such factories and that it was in Europe’s interest for Romania, Latvia and Ukraine to be “put in the position to produce urgently needed protective and defence equipment” at home.
Work on the Unterlüß plant began in February 2024 with a €500m investment. It is expected to employ 500 people and this year produce about 25,000 rounds of ammunition, rising to 350,000 artillery shells annually by 2027.
Construction on a production facility for rocket artillery is also to begin on the site.
Papperger’s name made international headlines last year when it emerged that US intelligence services had foiled a Russian plot to assassinate him in an apparent attempt at retaliation over Rheinmetall’s role in providing a large amount of armaments for Ukraine.
The plan to murder Papperger, as the head of Germany’s leading arms manufacturer was one of several Russian government schemes to kill defence industry executives in European countries that have been supporting Ukraine’s war effort, according to media reports.
Germany controversially scrapped borrowing limits earlier this year to allow a “bazooka” of defence spending after decades of neglect of its military.
The move was orchestrated by the chancellor, Friedrich Merz, even before he took office in May, while the Unterlüß factory was initiated under his predecessor Olaf Scholz, who introduced a Zeitenwende or turning point in security policy in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The German government placed a €8.5bn munitions order last year which the Rheinmetall site will now help fill.
All Nato countries expected to hit 2% spending target this year - new data
All Nato members are expected to his the historical 2% defence spending target this year, the alliance said, publishing a new set of reported figures from its member states.
But as many as 19 countries are expected to meet the target by the tiniest of margins, with their expected expenditure within the range of 2.0 to 2.1% GDP, the data showed.
The data also show that only three top spenders are already in compliance with the Nato’s new, more ambitious 3.5% target adopted at this year’s summit in The Hague, the Netherlands. It will be further complimented by a secondary 1.5% GDP target for wider defence-related spending.
The alliance’s biggest spenders are all on the Eastern flank and neighbouring Russia, with Poland leading the pack (4.48%) ahead of Lithuania (4.0%), Latvia (3.73%), and Estonia (3.38%). The US is sixth at 3.22%.
A number of Nato countries have pro-actively revised their defence spending in recent years, responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the highest spenders looking to meet the 5% target already in the coming years, while others arguing they will need more time.
Kyiv resident films moments after rocket hits residential building – video
And we are getting more unique footage of the overnight strikes on Kyiv, recorded by a local resident and showing the immediate aftermath of the attack.
Russia 'showed its true face last night,' Germany's Merz says
German chancellor Friedrich Merz also condemned the attacks on Kyiv, saying “Russia showed its true face again last night.”
In a post on X, he said:
“Russia showed its true face again last night. We condemn the severe attacks against the civilian population in the strongest terms.
The fact that the EU representation has now also come under fire testifies to the growing ruthlessness of the Russian regime.”
Putin 'must come to negotiating table,' EU's von der Leyen says after calls with Zelenskyy, Trump
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US president Donald Trump today, discussing the last night’s attack on Kyiv.
She said that “Putin must come to the negotiating table,” as she reiterated the need for “a just and lasting peace for Ukraine” supported by “firm and credible security guarantees.”
Here is her statement in full:
“Just spoke with President @ZelenskyyUa, then @POTUS Donald Trump, following the massive strike on Kyiv which also hit our EU offices.
Putin must come to the negotiating table.
We must secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine with firm and credible security guarantees that will turn the country into a steel porcupine.
Europe will fully play its part.
Our defence instrument SAFE, for example, will be important to strengthening the brave Ukrainian armed forces.”
Svitlana Vodolaha, a spokeswoman for the state rescue service told the Guardian, 17 people had been killed at the residential block, including four children, and 11 were known to have been injured.
A further 10 were still unaccounted for but not all may have been in the building at the time, she added.
There were 200 rescuers and 59 rescue vehicles on site and the search and clean up effort expected to go on into the night.
Updated
Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan told Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a phone call on Thursday that Ankara was ready to help any high-level talks between Ukraine and Russia take place, his office said in a statement.
Erdogan also told Zelenskiy that Turkey would continue to contribute to Ukraine’s security after peace was achieved, the Turkish presidency said.
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte has been in contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen about Russia’s attack on a building housing the EU’s delegation in Ukraine, he said on Thursday.
Rutte, speaking at a meeting of German government parties in the southern city of Wuerzburg, added that he could not speak to the latest rumours about Russian espionage in Europe.
Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov inspected the ‘Center’ group of Russian forces operating in Ukraine, his ministry said on Thursday.
Belousov was briefed on combat operations and drone projects, the ministry said.
UK summons Russian ambassador after overnight attacks on Kyiv
UK foreign secretary David Lammy has now confirmed that the British government has summoned the Russian ambassador to the UK Foreign Office.
In a brief post on X, he said:
“Putin’s strikes last night killed civilians, destroyed homes and damaged buildings, including the British Council and EU Delegation in Kyiv.
We have summoned the Russian Ambassador. The killing and destruction must stop.”
Kyiv attacks show Russia's contempt for peace negotiations, Czech foreign minister says
Czech foreign minister Jan Lipavský also responded to the overnight Russian attack on Kyiv, saying it was “a horrific display of Russia’s contempt for peace negotiations.”
“Russian missiles struck several buildings, including the EU delegation. Shame on the aggressor. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Czechia will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine,” he said.
Russian ambassador to UK to be summoned by UK's Foreign Office — Sky News
Sky News is reporting that the Russian ambassador to the UK will be summoned by the Foreign Office over the last night’s large-scale attack that “severely damaged” the British Council’s office in Kyiv.
We will bring you more on this if/when we get an official confirmation.
CCTV footage shows overnight strikes on Kyiv – video
British Council Kyiv's office guard injured in strike, remains in hospital
In a separate statement on X, British Council Ukraine said that one of its guards was injured in the overnight strike that severely damaged its building and remains in hospital.
Russia still interested in peace talks, but continue with 'military operation,' Kremlin says
Meanwhile, the Kremlin claimed it was still interested in pursuing peace talks with Ukraine – despite its massive overnight attack on Kyiv.
Russian forces were continuing to target Ukrainian military and military-related infrastructure, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, as reported by Reuters and AFP.
He has repeatedly claimed, without offering any evidence, that Russia does not deliberately target civilians.
“The Russian armed forces are also carrying out their tasks. As stated, they continue to strike military and military-related infrastructure.
The strikes are successful, the targets are being destroyed, and the special military operation continues.
At the same time, Russia remains interested in continuing the negotiation process in order to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means.”
Updated
EU’s justice spokesperson Markus Lammert offered a bit more light on the EU’s discussions on what to do with frozen Russian assets in the EU.
He explained:
“The EU always been clear that Russia has to pay for the damages of this war, and legally sound and financially viable options must remain on the table to compensate the damages done by Russia to Ukraine.
We need to continue discussing this. But what we’re talking about now is the profits from these assets.
We have immobilised Russia’s assets, of which there are €210bn in the EU and we are using the profits from these assets to support Ukraine with a €45bn G7 loan. This money goes, for example, to Ukraine’s defence industry and energy recovery, the loans will then be repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues from immobilised Russian assets.”
Pressed on whether it could include a confiscation of the Russian assets is on the table, the spokespeople said that a broader discussion on the issue of frozen assets will be held on Saturday.
EU summons Russia's top diplomat in Brussels over attack on EU delegation
EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has just announced in the last few minutes that she spoke with EU diplomats based in Kyiv after last night’s Russian strike that hit the EU delegation.
She added that the EU will be “summoning the Russian envoy in Brussels” to protest against the attack.
Foreign policy spokesperson Anitta Hipper added a bit more on that:
“I confirm that we will be summoning the Russian chargé d’affaires. This meeting will still take place today, so I can debrief you after that. But fact is also that no diplomatic mission should be ever [a] target to two strikes. So this is our response to this question.”
EU’s chief deputy spokesperson Arianna Podestà offered a bit more detail on the EU’s understanding of the attack on its delegation in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Asked if the EU believes the attack was deliberate, she said:
“This is a question for Russia on what was the aim of the strike.
What is clear is that Russia strikes constantly on civilian facilities as well. People have died in this horrible attack.
Of course, we have been in touch, the president has been in touch, with the ambassador for what concerns the safety of the EU staff.
But these attacks of Russia on civilians, and is just one of the many we have seen, also in other areas of Ukraine, just in this last few hours, are completely unacceptable. In no way will they change the resolve of the European Union in supporting Ukraine.
Our support to Ukraine is unshakable, as always, and Russia’s threats, also by hitting our facilities, will change nothing in our commitment to supporting Ukraine to be in a position of strength now and in the future.”
Russian overnight strikes on Kyiv - video
The European Commission’s midday briefing – held twice a week during summer – is about to start, so I will look out for any further lines with reaction to the overnight strikes that hit the EU delegation in Kyiv and the British Council’s Kyiv office, among others.
Russian attacks on Kyiv cannot 'remain without consequences,' German foreign minister says
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul told reporters that Russian attacks on Kyiv overnight cannot be allowed to “remain without consequences,” Reuters reported.
Speaking at a press conference with his Estonian counterpart, he declined to elaborate on what could be done in response, saying that Germany wanted to show it is considering a further response and that any action would be taken jointly by the EU.
EU to push for new sanctions, measures on Russian frozen assets, EU's von der Leyen says
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has now given a further statement on the overnight attacks on Kyiv.
She said she was “outraged” by the attack, which affected the EU delegation to Ukraine, giving a bit more detail on “two missiles in a distance of 50 meters of the delegation within 20 seconds.”
She warned:
It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine.
She also said the EU will soon propose a new package of sanctions against Russia, and the bloc was “advancing the work on the Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.”
Standing in front of EU flags, she said:
“I’m outraged by the attack on Kyiv also hitting our EU offices.
This was the deadliest drone and missile attack on the capital since July, and as you can see behind me on the screen, it was an attack also on our delegation.
I just spoke with our deputy ambassador, and I’m relieved that none of our staff were harmed. Last night’s attack struck in close proximity of the diplomatic mission, the representation of our union, two missiles hit in a distance of 50 metres of the delegation within 20 seconds.
And this is another grim reminder of what is at stake. It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine, blindly killing civilians, men, women and children, and even targeting the European Union. This is why we are keeping maximum pressure on Russia.
That means tightening our sanctions regime. We will come forward soon with our 19th package of hard, biting sanctions.
And in parallel, we are advancing the work on the Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction. And of course, we are ensuring strong, unwavering support to Ukraine, our neighbour, partner, friend and our future member.”
British Council Kyiv office 'severely damaged,' organisation says
The British Council’s Kyiv office has put out a short statement confirming its offices have been “severely damaged” in the Russian attack overnight and will be closed “until further notice.”
It said:
“Following last night’s attack on Kyiv, our British Council office has been severely damaged and will be closed to visitors until further notice. While there may be some delays in our responses, our work with our Ukrainian partners in education and culture continues. You can reach us via email.”
France's Macron calls out Russia's 'terror and barbarism' after attacks on Kyiv
French president Emmanuel Macron is the latest European leader to condemn the overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv.
He said that 629 Russian missiles and drones deployed against Ukraine in one night demonstrated “Russia’s idea of peace,” calling it out as “terror and barbarism.”
Noting the attack struck civilian areas, and EU and British Council offices, he said that “France condemns these senseless and cruel attacks in the strongest possible terms.”
“Full support to the Ukrainian people, and deepest compassion for all the grieving families,” he added.
Updated
Ukrainian PM criticises 'horrific, deliberate killing of civilians' after Russian strikes on Kyiv
Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko has now responded to the overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv, criticising Moscow for “horrific and deliberate killing of civilians.”
“The Russians are not choosing to end the war, only constant expansion of atrocities,” she said.
She added:
“Overnight in Kyiv, dozens of buildings were hit: residential houses, office centers, civilian enterprises. Among them also the building where the European Union Delegation to Ukraine is located.
Russians now believe that they have paralyzed Ukraine’s allies with feigned plans for ‘negotiations’ and endless delays that only serve as methods to buy time with the true goal only of preventing sanctions.
It is crucial now that the world responds firmly. Russia must be stopped.
New and stronger sanctions are needed. The Russians understand only strength and pressure. For every strike, Moscow must feel the consequences.”
UK PM Starmer condemns 'senseless' strikes on Kyiv, confirms British Council's building damaged
UK prime minister Keir Starmer also expressed his solidarity with all affected by “senseless” Russian strikes on Kyiv overnight.
He also confirms that the strikes have damaged the British Council building, as reported earlier (10:19).
He says:
“My thoughts are with all those affected by the senseless Russian strikes on Kyiv which have damaged the British Council building.
Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace.
This bloodshed must end.”
EU leaders condemn Russian overnight attacks on Kyiv
A number of European leaders have condemned the overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that “while the world seeks a path to peace, Russia responds with missiles,” calling out what she saw as a Russian “deliberate choice to escalate and mock the peace efforts.”
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez said that every further aggression by Russia was “a new blow against peace,” as he insisted that the strike which hit the EU delegation in Kyiv was also “a new flagrant violation of international law.”
Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda said he was “appalled by Russia’s massive strike on Kyiv last night,” which he said was “an attack on European diplomatic representations, damaging the buildings of @EUDelegationUA and the British Council.”
“Russia’s terror will not break us. We stand firmly with Ukraine and its people,” he said.
The Croatian government also condemned “yet another ruthless attack” on Kyiv.
“In this latest attack, the building of the European Union Delegation was also damaged. While Ukraine and its partners are focused on possibilities for progress in the peace process, Russia continues its aggression against a sovereign country and its people with almost nightly attacks across Ukraine.”
'This is Moscow's true answer to peace efforts,' EU ambassador to Kyiv says after overnight attack
The EU’s ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, also responded to the attack, saying that the EU delegation’s building was “severely damaged by the shock wave.”
This is Moscow’s true answer to peace efforts.
EU's Costa condemns overnight strikes, claims Russian hit on EU delegation was 'deliberate'
European Council president António Costa also condemned the attack, saying he was “horrified” by the overnight strikes on Ukraine.
He also expressed his solidarity with the victims and the staff of the EU’s delegation to Ukraine, claiming the Russian attack on the bloc’s diplomatic representation was “deliberate.”
“The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people,” he said.
EU delegation staff safe after overnight attack, von der Leyen says
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed that the staff of the EU delegation in Kyiv was safe after the overnight Russian attack on Kyiv that hit its building.
In a post on X, she said:
“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 indiscriminatory attacks on civilian infrastructure immediately and join negotiations for a just and lasting peace.”
Death toll of Kyiv attacks rise to 14 as Zelenskyy calls for 'firm' response with sanctions on Russia
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy just said the death toll of the overnight attack on Kyiv rose to 14, including three children.
He called it a “horrific and deliberate killing of civilians.”
The Russians are not choosing to end the war, only new strikes.
He added:
“Overnight in Kyiv, dozens of buildings were damaged: residential houses, office centers, civilian enterprises. Among them also the building where the European Union Delegation to Ukraine is located.”
He urged the world to “respond firmly,” as he stressed that “Russia must stop this war it started and continues.”
“For the spurning of ceasefire and for the constant Russian attempts to weasel out of negotiations, new strong sanctions are needed. Only this can work. The Russians understand only strength and pressure. For every strike, Moscow must feel the consequences.”
British Council's Kyiv office appears to have been hit by Russian strikes overnight
in Kyiv
Looking at first reports from the area that was hit by overnight Russian strikes, it appears that the British Council’s offices in the centre of Kyiv have been hit, in an attack that took place at 5.40am.
Their Kyiv building is located very close to the EU delegation, and a number of pictures we are getting on the news agencies this morning appear to show it damaged by the strikes.
We have reached out to the British Council to find out if there were any casualties and to get a statement.
It is understood the organisation, which promotes the UK and English teaching abroad, is establishing what happened.
Updated
Overnight Russian attack on Kyiv - in pictures
Morning opening: 'Massive' Russian attack hits Kyiv, EU delegation building
Russian airstrikes have killed at least twelve people in a succession of attacks on Kyiv overnight and wounded dozens more in the most deadly night raid on the Ukrainian capital for several weeks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who revealed that a child was among the dead, said the attacks showed that Russia had no intention of negotiating an end the war, despite the recent intervention of US president Donald Trump.
The EU’s enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, said the EU delegation in Kyiv was also damaged by the strikes.
“I strongly condemn these brutal attacks, a clear sign that Russia rejects peace & chooses terror. Our full solidarity goes to EU staff, their families, & all Ukrainians enduring this aggression,” she said.
The attack comes amid growing doubts over whether Russia is genuinely interested in continuing the Trump-led peace process, which was discussed with Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, as European leaders call it out as delay tactics that lead to nowhere.
We should hear more about it later today, with the European Commission set to brief journalists at its usual midday briefing.
Separately, EU defence and foreign ministers are meeting in Copenhagen tonight ahead an informal meeting focused on discussing the bloc’s next steps on Ukraine, with security guarantees high on the agenda.
I will bring you all the key updates here.
It’s Thursday, 28 August 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
Updated
