UK summons Russian ambassador over Ukraine strikes
Following Moscow’s heavy overnight bombardment of Kyiv, Russia’s ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, has been summoned to the Foreign Office. At least 15 people were wounded in the strikes, including four children.
Among the buildings hit was the British Council’s office in the Ukrainian capital. The organisation, which promotes cultural and educational exchanges, confirmed its premises had been severely damaged and would remain closed to visitors until further notice. A security guard injured in the attack is receiving hospital treatment.
In a statement, the British Council said: “While there may be delays in our responses, our conversations with our Ukrainian colleagues in education and culture persist.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the summons in a post on X, condemning the attacks and stressing: “The killing and destruction must cease.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticised the strikes, accusing Russia of “sabotaging hopes of peace.”
The European Union’s offices in Kyiv were also damaged, though no staff were injured. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the strikes were a deliberate escalation by Moscow, intended to “mock peace efforts.” In response, the EU announced it would summon Russia’s envoy.
The overnight bombardment destroyed homes, set buildings ablaze, and left civilians dead, further fuelling international outrage over Russia’s campaign against Ukraine’s capital.
