The European Union has strongly condemned the recent wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine, asserting that these attacks were deliberately aimed at civilian infrastructure and emergency services. This condemnation came during a press briefing on April 16, where European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper highlighted the targeted nature of the assaults, which she described as acts of terror against the civilian population.
Hipper expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against what she termed a “war of terror.” She stated, “We will continue to enhance our engagement and increase all our efforts to support Ukraine—through sanctions, financial aid, and defense measures.”
On the night of April 16, Russian forces launched a massive attack across Ukraine, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and over 100 injuries, according to the Office of the Prosecutor General. Major cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Kharkiv were targeted during this assault.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that between 7:00 AM on April 15 and 7:00 AM on April 16, the Russian military executed two waves of combined attacks utilizing 44 different types of missiles and 659 drones. Military officials confirmed that 12 missiles and 20 attack drones struck 26 locations, with debris from downed missiles landing in 25 areas.
These attacks on civilian infrastructure have been characterized by Ukrainian authorities and international organizations as war crimes committed by the Russian Federation. The assaults are seen as systematic efforts to disrupt essential services, depriving civilians of electricity, heating, water supply, communication, and medical assistance, which some experts argue could constitute genocidal actions.
In contrast, Russian leadership has denied allegations that its military is intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure, asserting that its operations are aimed at military objectives. However, evidence continues to mount regarding the extensive damage inflicted on hospitals, schools, and vital energy and water supply facilities across Ukraine.
The European Union has condemned recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing their targeting of civilian infrastructure. These strikes have resulted in significant casualties and have been classified as war crimes by Ukrainian authorities.
Source: Radio Svoboda