The European Union has strongly condemned the massive strikes by the Russian Federation on Ukraine, carried out overnight on April 16, emphasizing their targeted nature against civilian infrastructure and emergency services.
This is reported by Finway
EU Statement on Russian Attacks
European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper stated at a briefing that Russian forces deliberately attacked the emergency response system in Ukraine, directing strikes to intimidate the civilian population. She also added that the EU is providing support to the victims and their families, and will continue to assist Ukraine in enduring the “war of terror.”
“On our part, we will do the same as we have done so far, increasing our engagement, and we will ramp up all our efforts to support Ukraine – both through sanctions and through financial assistance and defense,” Hipper stated.
Consequences of the Massive Shelling
According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, at least 15 people were killed and over 100 were injured as a result of the nighttime missile strike. Massive attacks by Russian troops were recorded in Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Kharkiv.
The military command of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that from 7:00 AM on April 15 to 7:00 AM on April 16, 44 missiles of various types and 659 drones were launched into the territory of Ukraine. As a result of two waves of combined attacks, 12 direct hits by missiles and 20 strikes by drones were recorded on 26 sites, with debris from downed devices falling on another 25 locations.
Russian troops regularly employ a wide range of weaponry, including strike drones, missiles, guided bombs, and multiple launch rocket systems, to attack Ukrainian cities and critical civilian infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian authorities and international organizations classify these strikes as war crimes aimed at the deliberate destruction of vital facilities and the intimidation of the population.
Attacks on life-support systems, healthcare facilities, energy, and water supply are classified as genocidal actions, as they aim to deprive people of access to essential services and living conditions. Despite numerous pieces of evidence, the Russian leadership continues to deny the targeting of attacks on civilian infrastructure, as well as the destruction of hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and other facilities.