Following an overnight missile and drone strike against Kyiv that resulted in at least 17 fatalities (including four children) as well as extensive damage to civilian and diplomatic properties, Britain summoned Russia’s ambassador in London.
On August 27th 2025, Ukraine experienced one of its most severe attacks ever against Kyiv with 31 missiles and 598 drones launching attacks from all directions, inflicting extensive damage. Structures damaged include British Council and EU Delegation offices located central Kyiv; with both affected offices suffering significant shrapnel damage from nearby strikes but no staff injuries reported at either institution; accordingly GB News +4, The Washington Post +4 and Financial Times +4, as well as Wikipedia +6 (Reuters+6 for The Guardian+6 18 August).
Foreign Secretary David Lammy immediately responded to Russia’s attacks, denouncing them as senseless and an attack on diplomatic missions, noting that Britain will hold Moscow responsible for its actions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed similar sentiments by noting how they “sabotage hope of peace”, calling on all parties involved “to end this bloodshed”, whilst The Guardian and Helsinki Times have reported on these incidents as well.
Russia claims it targeted Ukrainian military infrastructure and air bases during its strikes against Ukrainian territory; however, local officials and international observers contend otherwise based on scale and nature of attack which suggested widespread civilian targets being hit indiscriminately. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned this assault as “deliberate act of terror”, calling for stronger international sanctions against Russia (The Guardian +3 Sky News+3 Financial Times+The Washington Post+ The New York Post).
European Union leaders have also summoned Russia’s top diplomat in Brussels and announced additional sanctions in response to Russia’s attacks, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterizing their strikes as deliberate escalation and mockery of peace efforts, according to The Guardian.
As Helsinki Times writes, in the aftermath of Russia’s attacks against Ukraine, emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue victims trapped under rubble and provide medical aid for injured. International condemnations has been widespread; international leaders have called for increased diplomatic pressure against Russia as well as increased support for Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts. The Guardian.
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The UK’s summoning of Russia’s ambassador reflects both its gravity and international community’s dedication to holding them to account for actions which threaten peace or violate international norms.