The European Union said on Tuesday its diplomats will stay in Kiev despite Russia’s warning of sustained strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
“The EU is maintaining its presence and operation in Kiev, and these threats smell like desperation,” European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters at a press briefing in Brussels.
“They want fear and isolation in Ukraine and elsewhere, but we have a clear message: this will not work,” she added.
Echoing remarks by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Hipper said Russia was “losing on the battlefield” and had once again turned to targeting civilians and nonmilitary infrastructure.
“These attacks are unfortunately a daily reality for Ukraine, for Kiev and its citizens, and in fact, also our delegation on the ground,” Hipper said, noting that the headquarters of the EU’s civilian mission had been hit in what she described as “reckless attacks.”
‘Total disregard’
Hipper also said the EU had summoned Russia’s charge d’affaires over the latest developments.
