Russia has carried out a large-scale attack on Ukraine, launching a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones that resulted in at least 21 fatalities and more than 20 injuries early on March 15, 2024. This assault is reported to be the deadliest since a recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.
The Ukrainian air force confirmed that a total of 598 drones and 31 missiles were deployed during the overnight strike, marking it as the second largest aerial attack since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago. The assault devastated several residential areas in the capital, Kyiv, damaging apartment buildings and the offices of both the European Union and the British Council.
Immediate Impact and Human Toll
Rescue operations are ongoing, with heavy machinery being used to clear debris from collapsed structures. Officials indicated that some individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble. One eyewitness, a local resident named Andriy, narrowly escaped when his apartment was destroyed. He recounted, “If I had gone to the shelter a minute later, I would not be here now.”
The European Union has summoned Russia’s ambassador to address the significant damage inflicted upon its diplomatic mission in Kyiv, with officials releasing images of shattered windows and a partially collapsed ceiling. The British Council announced that its premises had also sustained severe damage and will remain closed until further notice.
Global Reactions and Political Implications
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as “a horrific and deliberate killing of civilians.” He criticized Russia’s continued military operations and called for new sanctions against Moscow, stating, “All deadlines have already been broken, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy ruined. Russia must feel accountable for every strike.”
Despite the ongoing violence, the Kremlin maintains that its military operations are targeting “military-adjacent infrastructure” and insists it remains open to diplomatic negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov affirmed, “The Russian armed forces are fulfilling their tasks… At the same time, Russia remains interested in continuing the negotiation process.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that it is now “obvious” that a proposed meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelensky will not take place. During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Merz highlighted the attack as a demonstration of Russia’s aggression, noting the damage inflicted upon the EU’s mission as indicative of the regime’s growing disregard for international norms.
President Trump, who recently met with both leaders in Alaska, expressed disappointment over the attacks. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “He was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised.” Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, criticized the strikes for undermining peace efforts, emphasizing that the attacks targeted civilian areas rather than military installations.
The violence has escalated tensions further, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accusing Putin of “sabotaging hopes of peace.” French President Macron condemned the attacks as acts of “terror and barbarism,” reaffirming the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
As the situation develops, Ukraine continues to demand security guarantees, including the possibility of Western troop deployments, to deter future attacks. Russia, however, has rejected such proposals, complicating the path toward any potential peace agreement.
This latest escalation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the urgent need for international diplomatic efforts to address the prolonged conflict.
