Statement by the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the massive terrorist attack by the russian federation on the territory of Ukraine on the night of 28 August 2025
28 August 2025, 20:30
On the night of 28 August 2025, the russian federation once again carried out a combined missile and drone strike on Kyiv. The attack destroyed residential buildings, civilian infrastructure and a diplomatic facility. At least 15 people were killed, including four children. At least 38 people were injured.
The aggressor state has once again disregarded the norms of international humanitarian law, in particular the provisions of the Geneva Conventions on the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. The russian federation is deliberately and consistently killing civilians in Ukrainian cities, destroying residential areas, hospitals, schools, and energy, cultural, and religious infrastructure.
At the same time, it continues to issue unacceptable ultimatums and intensify its attacks on Ukrainian territory, demonstrating a clear desire to continue the war. By openly disregarding the efforts of the international community to restore comprehensive, just and lasting peace, the russian federation confirms that it is not interested in peace.
The night attack on 28 August clearly demonstrates that the aggressor has no intention of stopping its armed aggression. Instead, its actions undermine the foundations of international security and world order.
The russian side refuses to hold meetings between leaders and rejects proposals for security guarantees that could prevent new wars. It continues its assaults on the front lines and terrorises the civilian population in the rear. The attack, which damaged, among other things, the building of the European Union Delegation in Kyiv, is yet another blatant crossing of the red line.
We must stop this. And we can only do so by force. Only diplomacy backed by force can stop russian war crimes, save human lives, prevent further destruction and guarantee security in Europe and the world.
In this regard, we call on the international community to:
• condemn the russian federation's latest terrorist attacks against the civilian population and critical infrastructure of Ukraine as a direct violation of international humanitarian law and the customs of warfare, demonstrating blatant disregard for peace;
• recognise that the russian federation seeks to continue its armed aggression against Ukraine and must therefore face an adequate response from all states that share the principles of peace and security;
• Exert maximum pressure on the russian federation: use the broadest range of tools available — powerful sanctions, tariffs, and the complete elimination of loopholes for circumventing them — to deprive the russian military machine of the resources it needs to wage war;
• Provide Ukraine with additional military aid packages, including air and missile defence systems necessary to protect Ukrainian cities, as well as long-range capabilities to strike military targets on russian territory — with the aim of preventing future terrorist attacks;
• Promote the swift implementation of effective, legally binding and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. Such guarantees should include, in particular, the presence of a military contingent from the countries participating in the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to provide deterrence and ensure security on land, in the air and at sea.
Only increased international pressure, the imposition of restrictive measures that will make it impossible to continue financing russia's war machine, and a clear demand for an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire can pave the way to peace.
This peace must be comprehensive, just and sustainable, based on respect for international law, including the UN Charter. Its indispensable foundation is respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including its territorial waters.
No concessions will stop an aggressor who seeks to destroy Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Only global unity, maximum support for Ukraine and decisive pressure on the russian rederation can end this war.