World leaders condemn Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv and vow tougher sanctions
Photo: World leaders praised Ukrainians' resilience after Russia's attack on Kyiv (Getty Images)
Leaders of the European Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the European Parliament, and several countries have reacted to Russia's overnight attack on Kyiv, pledging new sanctions and continued support for Ukraine.
RBC-Ukraine has compiled the reactions from international leaders and organizations.
Key points:
- World leaders condemned Russia's overnight attack on Kyiv and called for stronger pressure on the Kremlin.
- The EU announced plans for new sanctions targeting entities linked to Russia's military-industrial complex.
- Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Norway urged tougher measures against Russia and continued support for Ukraine's self-defense.
- Italy reaffirmed its full solidarity with Ukraine and pledged to support Kyiv until peace is achieved.
EU prepares new sanctions
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said words of condemnation alone are no longer enough.
"Words of condemnation alone will not stop attacks on Kyiv. Today, I will propose to sanction more entities supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex in response to the strikes. The more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed," Kallas said.
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Marta Kos stressed that condemnation must be backed by concrete action.
"Russia is fighting to erase Ukraine as a nation and deny its European future. Europe must make sure it fails," Kos said.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed sympathy for those affected.
"My thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and everyone who once again was forced to spend the night under attack," Metsola said.
PACE President Petra Bayr emphasized that Ukraine is acting solely in self-defense.
"While Ukraine acts in self-defence and strikes military targets, Russia again attacks civilians and terrorises. I stand in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine," Bayr said.
Baltic and Nordic countries call for stronger pressure
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said Latvia would continue supporting Ukraine.
"Russia must be forced into peace through maximum pressure, including sanctions, and continuous support to Ukraine," Braže said.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the Kremlin has not abandoned its imperial ambitions.
"The Kremlin still refuses to abandon its imperial ambitions. To change this, Ukraine needs the military means to defend its people, while pressure on Russia must continue to increase until aggression becomes impossible to sustain," Tsahkna said.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed condolences to the victims.
"I condemn last night’s Russian attack on Ukraine, which yet again struck civilian sites, killing and injuring many. Russia's attacks on civilians are deeply concerning. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected," Eide said.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said Russia had once again shown complete disregard for human life.
"Last night, Russia once again targeted civilian infrastructure, showing a blatant disregard for human life. Finland commends the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. We stand with Ukraine," Valtonen said.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed solidarity with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
"I express my full solidarity with Andrii Sybiha and the Ukrainian people, victims of unacceptable violence. Russia must put an end to these aggressions and act as a responsible member of the international community," Tajani wrote.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger reaffirmed Austria's support for Ukraine.
"Putin will only back down when this war becomes economically unsustainable. That is exactly what Europe is working toward. Austria supports this course. The security of Ukraine is also the security of Europe, and thus of Austria as well," she wrote.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu also expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
"Moldova stands firmly with Ukraine. Accountability for these crimes, more pressure on Russia and stronger support for Ukraine — this must be the world’s answer.," Sandu wrote on X.
Russia's attack on Kyiv
Overnight on July 2, Russia launched a massive combined attack on Kyiv, firing 570 aerial weapons, including 74 missiles and 496 drones.
A section of a nine-story apartment building collapsed in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district, where rescuers continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble.
Meanwhile, the death toll in the capital has risen to 18, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service and city authorities. Among the injured is a 10-year-old boy, who is undergoing surgery. The total number of injured has reached around 90.
