Government condemns “atrocious” Russian attack that kills 21 in Kyiv

In line with countries throughout Europe, Portugal’s government has today condemned “the atrocious Russian attacks” of last night that left at least 21 people dead and 85 injured in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns (Wednesday night’s) atrocious Russian attacks against Ukraine. We reiterate our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and authorities,” wrote Paulo Rangel’s ministry on social media platform X, tagging the Ukrainian foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha.

“It is imperative to promote peace and uphold international law,” said the minister in the same message.

Portugal “maintains its unwavering support for Ukraine in defence of a just and lasting peace”.

Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring 85, in the worst attack on the capital, according to the mayor of the Ukrainian capital, while the Kremlin has said that it will continue to “increase the pressure” on Ukraine, which is otherwise causing Russia enormous headaches in a campaign targetting energy infrastructure.

Last night, Russia launched 496 drones and 74 missiles of various types at the country, and Ukraine’s air defences intercepted 476 drones and 48 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, as reported by the French news agency AFP.

Kyiv was the hardest-hit city in the “most massive” attack on the capital since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, said mayor, Vitali Klitschko, who has already declared Friday a day of mourning.

Explosions were heard for several hours last night, and the air-raid alert lasted for more than 11 hours.

More than 52,000 people, including around 4,500 children, sought refuge in Kyiv’s metro stations – the highest number recorded since the start of the Russian invasion.

“This is the largest number of people to have sought refuge in the metro during a night-time air raid in recent years,” the city council said, citing figures from the Kyiv Metro.

Another reason for Russia’s massive attack could be linked with the NATO summit, scheduled for next week in Turkey.

The Kremlin has been trying hard to convince its people that ‘the war is close to being won’ – which isn’t actually the case: Russia has made minimal gains over recent months, and lost so many men that recruitment cannot keep pace with mortality.

Source: LUSA

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.