Europe reacts to overnight Russian attack

European leaders have sharply condemned Russia's overnight missile and drone strike on Ukraine on 7 September, calling it a senseless terror against civilians and demanding increased support for Kiev.

In particular, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "coward who attacks women and children" on social media, stressing that yesterday's attack with more than 800 drones and missiles claimed the lives of a mother and her two-month-old baby. He said talk of cutting off aid to Ukraine now means supporting the aggressor.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Kremlin was "killing indiscriminately" and pledged that Europe would continue to strengthen Ukraine's military, security guarantees and sanctions against Russia to stop the killing of civilians.

European Council President António Costa said that "talking about peace while stepping up bombing and attacking government buildings and homes is Putin's version of 'peace'." He stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine's defence and pressure Russia in close coordination with allies.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said the Kremlin wants war, not peace, so the answer should be more weapons for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silinja called for tough new sanctions and increased support for Ukraine.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Waltonen emphasised that the attacks, which damaged government buildings and residential homes, confirmed the need for an immediate ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to the loved ones of the victims and expressed full solidarity with Ukraine, emphasising that Russia is sinking deeper and deeper into the logic of war and terror, while France, together with its partners, will continue to do everything to establish a just and sustainable peace.

Russia's massive strike on Ukrainian cities affected Kiev, Kremenchuk, Odessa, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipro and Krivoy Rog. In the capital, residential buildings and the Cabinet of Ministers building were damaged, two people were killed and more than 20 injured in the Svyatoshinsky district. In Kremenchuk, the Kryukivskyi bridge over the Dnieper was attacked and traffic on it was restricted. In Odessa, residential buildings were damaged and three people were injured.