The European Union has firmly condemned the latest wave of attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian territory that occurred overnight from April 15 to April 16. EU representatives emphasized that the strikes were deliberately aimed at civilian infrastructure and emergency services, indicating an attempt to terrorize the peaceful population of the country.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU Strengthens Support for Ukraine After Attacks
European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper noted during a briefing that the European community expresses solidarity with the injured and their families and will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. According to her, the EU intends to increase efforts to assist Ukraine, particularly by strengthening sanctions, financial, and defense support.
“On our part, we will do the same as we have done so far, enhancing our engagement, and we will ramp up all our efforts to support Ukraine – both through sanctions and through financial assistance and defense,” Hipper stated.
Scale of Strikes and Consequences for Ukraine
As a result of the massive rocket bombardment carried out by Russian troops on the night of April 16, cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, and others in Ukraine were affected. According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, at least 15 people have died, and over 100 have been injured.
According to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from 7:00 AM on April 15 to 7:00 AM on April 16, the Russian army launched two waves of combined attacks, using 44 missiles of various types and 659 drones. The military recorded hits from 12 missiles and 20 strike drones on 26 sites, as well as debris from downed targets falling in 25 locations.
Russian military forces systematically use various types of weaponry – strike drones, missiles, guided aerial bombs, and multiple launch rocket systems – to attack Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities, along with international organizations, classify such actions as war crimes by the Russian Federation, emphasizing their deliberate nature.
Shelling of life-support systems, medical facilities, energy, and water supply facilities, aimed at depriving the population of essential resources for survival, is viewed as signs of genocidal actions. Meanwhile, the Russian leadership publicly denies targeting civilian infrastructure and denies the deaths of civilians during military operations on Ukrainian territory.