EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said this shows Putin is mocking peace efforts and that the only response is increasing pressure on Russia.

The EU (25 out of 26 states, all but Hungary) issued a statement calling the attack an intentional strike on civilians, labeling it a war crime. They promised accountability for Russian commanders and perpetrators.

The EU is preparing a 19th round of sanctions, acknowledging previous sanctions alone have not changed Russia’s behavior.

Zelensky framed the strike as not just against Ukraine, but against the wider world—Europe, the US, and others—while also pointing to countries like China and India for “aiding Russia” through oil and gas purchases.

3. Russian Intentions and Targeting

Debate exists on whether Russia deliberately struck near diplomatic missions. Analysts argued:

Russia likely had a specific target it considered militarily valuable (possibly intelligence or industrial facilities).

Ukraine has, in the past, located military assets inside civilian areas to shield them—Amnesty International has reported on this.

Nonetheless, even if military assets were present, striking heavily populated civilian structures without proportional justification may constitute a war crime.

Russia is generally calculated in its targeting, but accidents, misfires, or reckless disregard for civilian risk also occur.

4. Broader Impact

The strike alarmed European capitals, intensifying frustration with Russia and reinforcing the EU’s alignment with Ukraine.

Independent investigations are unlikely, as each side controls the narrative—truth is the first casualty of war.

The attack deepens polarization:

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