KYIV, Ukraine — Senior Ukrainian officials led a group of 60 foreign diplomats on a tour of damaged government offices in the heart of Kyiv on Monday. This visit took place a day after an unprecedented Russian aerial attack, which was declared the largest since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion over three years ago.
The attack involved more than 800 drones and decoys, resulting in significant losses, including the death of four individuals due to strikes on residential buildings. Smoke billowed from key government locations in the capital, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
Notably, this assault marks the first time a Russian offensive has targeted the 10-story Soviet-style government building that has stood for nearly a century, with its distinctive half-circle facade now heavily damaged.
During the tour, officials, including Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, presented the devastating impacts of the attack to the visiting diplomats, showing them offices charred and filled with debris.
Prime Minister Svyrydenko emphasized that this attack serves as a 'clear signal that Russia does not want peace' and reflects the disregard for global diplomatic efforts.
As diplomatic initiatives continue to stagnate under the pressure of ongoing warfare, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious. Notably, U.S. attempts to mediate peace have not yet produced any promising outcomes, leading to calls from Ukraine and European leaders for increased sanctions against Russia.
With the risk of intensified Russian assaults, including potential daily strikes involving over 1,000 drones, Ukraine braces for a challenging winter ahead.
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