At least 6 foreign embassies damaged in Russian strikes in Ukraine

Europe, News December 21, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

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A Russian missile strike on Ukraine on December 20, 2024, caused significant damage to the city, including several foreign embassies in Kyiv. One person was killed, and 12 others were injured in the attack, which Kyiv authorities described as part of a series of ballistic missile launches early in the morning.

The embassies of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Montenegro, were reported damaged according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi. “Windows, doors, and the ceiling have been damaged in the premises (of embassies). This is a barbaric attack by Russia on diplomatic institutions,” Tykhyi said at a briefing.

Ukraine’s Air Force claimed to have intercepted all five ballistic missiles fired at Kyiv, identifying them as either Russian Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23 models. Despite the interceptions, the No Diplomatic Casualties, But Significant Damage

No casualties were reported among embassy staff, according to officials. However, the explosions caused severe structural damage to diplomatic facilities. The Czech Center in Kyiv, operated by the Czech Foreign Ministry, was also affected. “No one was inside, but civilians were nearby. Once Ukraine wins, the Kremlin will pay for all lost lives and damage,” the Czech Foreign Ministry stated.

Condemnation of the attack

The international community quickly condemned the missile strike. Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission, criticized the attack on social media platform X. “No diplomatic representation should ever be targeted or even impacted,” Kallas wrote. She called the strike “another barbaric attack by Russia on civilian targets that shows no willingness for peace.”

*^{A view of damaged buildings in Kyiv following Russian missile strikes. (Image Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine)}*

The attack comes amid intensifying global scrutiny of Russia’s tactics in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Diplomatic facilities, protected under international law, are not to be targeted during conflicts, making the incident particularly egregious.

Civilian impact in Kyiv

The missile strikes caused extensive collateral damage to civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. Local authorities reported shattered windows, destroyed doors, and damaged ceilings in areas surrounding the targeted sites. Civilians residing nearby faced chaos as emergency services worked to secure the area and treat the injured.

In a related development, the acting governor of Russia’s Kursk region reported a Ukrainian missile strike on the town of Rylsk, which killed at least six people. While details remain unclear, this incident signals escalating tensions along the border.

The Russian attack on foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv has heightened already strained international relations between Moscow and the Western world. Tykhyi emphasized the broader implications of the assault, condemning Russia’s disregard for diplomatic norms. “This is not just an attack on Ukraine; it is an attack on the international community,” he said.

The affected countries have yet to release detailed statements on the damage to their embassies. However, the incident is expected to prompt discussions on increasing protections for diplomatic facilities in conflict zones.

The attack adds to the growing list of alleged violations of international law by Russia during its war in Ukraine. Tykhyi and other Ukrainian officials have reiterated calls for accountability, urging the global community to respond decisively.

The Foreign Ministry and city authorities also announced that they are coordinating efforts to rebuild damaged areas, particularly the foreign embassies in Kyiv, and ensure safety in the Ukrainian capital.