Ankara: Latvia's honorary consulate in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk sustained damage following a Russian attack, announced Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze. The incident was confirmed by Braze through a post on the US social media platform X, expressing her indignation over the event.
According to Anadolu Agency, Braze communicated the incident to EU and NATO foreign ministers, along with various international organizations. She emphasized that while Russia might destroy buildings, it cannot break Ukraine's resolve or diminish Latvia's support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian guided aerial bomb strikes in Sloviansk resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to nine others. The consulate building, along with residential homes and vehicles, was among the targets damaged by the strikes.
Zelenskyy further reported a separate Russian missile strike in the Kyiv region, resulting in six fatalities and numerous injuries. He condemned these attacks on civilians and insisted that Russia must be held accountable. Zelenskyy also highlighted the urgent need for additional interceptors for the Patriot air defense systems, marking them as a top priority.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Russia's latest offenses in both the Kyiv region and Sloviansk, including the damage to the honorary consulate, labeling it as a blatant disregard for diplomacy. Von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe's solidarity with Latvia and Ukraine, stating that Russia's actions reveal its desperation in a war it is losing, as it increasingly targets civilians in an attempt to break Ukraine's spirit. She assured that Ukraine's spirit, along with Europe's resolve to support its defense, remains unbreakable.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also voiced strong condemnation of Russia's persistent attacks across Ukraine, specifically noting the damage to Latvia's honorary consulate in Sloviansk. Wadephul expressed solidarity with the EU and NATO ally, reiterating that Russia's actions only reinforce the unity among the allies.