Anadolu staff
28 August 2025•Update: 28 August 2025
BERLIN
Germany on Thursday strongly condemned the latest Russian airstrikes on Kyiv, which also hit the EU's diplomatic representation building, and suggested tougher European sanctions against Moscow might follow.
"Russia has once again attacked and bombed Kyiv, civilians have died, children have died, and the EU representation has also been attacked," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said during a press conference in Tallinn, Estonia.
"This cannot remain without consequences. We will discuss these consequences at the upcoming informal meeting of European foreign ministers in Copenhagen," he said, referring to the gathering scheduled for Friday and Saturday in the Danish capital.
At least 14 people, including three children, were killed and 48 others injured in a Russian attack on Kyiv early Thursday, according to Ukrainian authorities.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU's diplomatic mission was damaged in a "deliberate Russian strike" and vowed that Europeans "will not be intimidated" by this attack.
The top German diplomat said the latest attack shows Russian President Vladimir Putin has no interest in peace with Ukraine, despite US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict.
"We won't be deceived by stalling tactics. Instead, we will continue to support Ukraine with weapons, comprehensive assistance, and political backing on its path to the EU and NATO,” Wadephul said.
He also suggested that the US and Europeans could implement stronger sanctions against Moscow to pressure Russian President Putin to come to the negotiating table.
"President Trump has made a significant diplomatic effort, which the Russian president has not adequately acknowledged. I therefore expect that the US will seriously consider implementing additional sanctions," Wadephul said.
The minister noted that the European Union is currently developing a 19th sanctions package and assured that Germany would give its full support to this effort.
"Russia's refusal to negotiate will face consequences. We remain firmly committed to continue supporting Ukraine through political and military means, while also ensuring Russia feels the economic impact of prolonging this war," he said.
