Hungary refuses to sign EU statement condemning Russia’s massive strike on Kyiv
Photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (Getty Images)
Hungary became the only country among the 27 EU members that refused to sign a statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas condemning Russia's massive strike on Kyiv on August 28, according to a joint EU statement.
"On 27 August, Russia launched yet another large-scale attack on Kyiv and many other Ukrainian cities, killing at least twenty-three civilians, including four children, and injuring many more. We extend our condolences, stand in solidarity with all Ukrainians, and strongly condemn Russia’s ongoing assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which are a deliberate escalation and undermine efforts toward peace," the statement says.
Kallas noted that the strike also caused serious damage to the offices of the European Union Delegation in Kyiv and the British Council building, where a security guard was injured, "once again demonstrating the reckless nature of Russia’s attacks and its disregard for international law."
She emphasized that putting the lives of diplomats and diplomatic staff at risk is "a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."
"Intentional attacks against civilians and non-military objectives are war crimes. All commanders, perpetrators, and accomplices of these grave violations of international humanitarian law shall be held to account," Kallas noted.
At the same time, she added that these crimes only strengthen Europe’s determination and its commitment to supporting Ukraine in repelling aggression and pursuing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.
"The EU will continue and increase its comprehensive support to Ukraine on all strands, including by accelerating work on the 19th package of sanctions," the EU High Representative emphasized.
She reminded that since March 2025, Ukraine has been committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire and has repeatedly expressed its readiness for peace, while Russia has intensified attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
"We will continue working with international partners, including the US in order to end Russia’s war of aggression with a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Russia must stop the killing and show genuine willingness for peace," the statement says.
Massive strike on Kyiv on August 28
On the night of August 28, Russian forces carried out a massive combined attack on Kyiv, targeting the capital with Shahed drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat noted that this was one of the largest attacks on the capital.
As a result of the nighttime strike, destruction was recorded across all districts of Kyiv - the first time since the start of the full-scale war.
In particular, in the Darnytskyi district, a missile hit a five-story residential building. One section of the building was completely destroyed, with the strike hitting the third and fourth floors, causing extensive damage.
According to the latest data, 23 people were killed in the Russian attack on Kyiv, including children.
For more details on the massive strike on the capital, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.
