Western Condemnation Mounts as Russia Strikes Kyiv and Government Buildings in Deadliest Air Attack of 2025
Russia launched what is being dubbed as one of the most devastating air offensives since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting multiple regions overnight with a barrage of over 800 drones and 13 missiles.
The coordinated strikes hit civilian infrastructure and government buildings, including Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers, prompting swift and forceful condemnation from world leaders.
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| Image Source: Mylovanov |
Ukrainian authorities reported widespread destruction across the capital and several regions. In Kyiv, residential buildings suffered major structural damage, with at least two people killed--one of them a child--and dozens injured.
A fire broke out on the upper floors of the Cabinet building following a direct missile hit. Other affected regions included Zaporizhzhia, where a kindergarten and 20 homes were damaged, and Kryvyi Rih, where warehouses were destroyed.
Civilian casualties were also confirmed in Safonivka and the Chernihiv region.
💬 President #Putin:
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) September 7, 2025
When the Kiev regime says - “We want a meeting, but you must travel to such-and-such a place for it” - these demands are excessive.
❗️ If the Ukrainian side wants a meeting, let them come.
The best venue is clear 👉 the Hero City of Moscow. pic.twitter.com/IrzpODJA7N
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attacks were a calculated attempt to prolong the war and undermine peace efforts. He stated Ukraine’s demand for accelerated delivery of air defense systems and harsher international sanctions on Russia.
The Western response was immediate. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU Council President António Costa condemned the strikes as violations of international law and evidence of Moscow's contempt for diplomacy.
Western leaders underscored the urgent need to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses and escalate economic pressure on the Kremlin.
It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world – whether they will accept or tolerate this. pic.twitter.com/X2vGTgnDTX
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025
Mark Carney stated Ottawa’s commitment to Kyiv and to providing scalable military support under the Coalition of the Willing. He stressed the necessity of security guarantees to deter future attacks.
Statements from NATO, UK, the European Council, and national governments stressed that the targeting of Ukraine’s central government institutions was a clear escalation.
Danish and Finnish leaders called for intensified sanctions and weapons deliveries, framing the attack as a direct assault on the prospect of peace.
This is how the headquarters of Ukraine’s government now looks after this morning's Russian attack. Our whole team works in this building daily. Fortunately, no one was injured. Russian barbarism will not halt the work of Ukraine’s government.
— Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) September 7, 2025
The walls will be repaired, they… pic.twitter.com/Zc8aXkAtK1
While Ukraine’s allies prepare responses, Russia doubled down. An earlier video released by the Russian Foreign Ministry featured President Vladimir Putin indicating that any future peace talks must be held in Moscow.
The scale and symbolism of the latest strikes--particularly the direct hit on a seat of government--coincide with renewed international coordination on Ukraine’s long-term security.
Today is the Day of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence. Every day, our people do more than seems possible. They find the enemy’s weak spots and strike them. They strengthen our state and significantly weaken the occupiers.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025
Thank you for your courage and devotion to Ukraine. For… pic.twitter.com/yJE26v9rnJ
Analysts suggest the offensive is a message from Moscow as it attempts to test western resolve.