ISTANBUL

Twenty-six EU member states, except Hungary, condemned on Friday the recent Russian strikes on Kyiv and vowed to speed up the work on the 19th sanctions package against Moscow.

"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," said a statement issued by the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and supported by the 26 member states, except Hungary.

Pointing to the damaged EU Delegation building, the statement noted that endangering the lives of diplomats and diplomatic personnel 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," it added.

The statement also said that such attacks "only reinforce" the bloc's determination and resolve to support Ukraine.

"The EU will continue and increase its comprehensive support to Ukraine on all strands, including by accelerating work on the 19th package of sanctions," it further underscored.

The statement also urged Russia to "stop the killing" and show "genuine willingness" for peace.

Ukraine said on Thursday that at least 21 people were killed in a major overnight Russian attack on Kyiv.

"As of 8.45 pm (1745GMT), 21 people have been confirmed dead in the Russian attack on Kyiv. Search and rescue operations are ongoing," Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration (KMVA), wrote on Telegram.

The British Council and the EU mission in Kyiv also said that their buildings were hit and damaged in the attack.