Vicious attacks

EU chief vows to stand with Kyiv after Russia's "vicious attacks" on Ukrainian cities

Eve Brennan and Allegra Goodwin

International leaders continue to react to Russia’s missile attacks on Kyiv and across other Ukrainian cities on Monday morning.  

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen tweeted on Monday that she is “shocked and appalled by the vicious attacks on Ukrainian cities.” 

“Putin’s Russia has again shown the world what it stands for: brutality and terror. I know that Ukrainians will stay strong. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, with all the means we have,” the tweet reads. 

While on a visit to a border crossing point between Estonia and Russia with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, von der Leyen said “those who are responsible have to be held accountable.”

“We are mourning the victims and I send my heartfelt condolences to our Ukrainian friends. I know Ukrainians will not be intimidated, and Ukrainians know that we will stand by their side as long as it takes,” von der Leyen continued. 

Kallas also said she wanted to send a “clear message” to Ukrainians, saying, “we are supporting you every possible way.” She expressed the importance of delivering air defense systems to Ukraine so the country could protect its cities and civilians. 

Meanwhile, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola tweeted on Monday that “what is happening now in #Kyiv is sickening. It shows the world, again, the regime we are faced with: One that targets indiscriminately. One that rains terror & death down on children. This is criminal. They will be held to account. Ukraine will win. Europe will not look away.”