The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian missile strike on a shopping centre in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk. Hundreds of innocent civilians were reportedly present at the centre at the time of the attack.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

This is yet another heinous act in a series of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure by the Russian Armed Forces, including most recently missile attacks on civilian buildings and infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions. The continued shelling of civilians and civilian objects is reprehensive and totally unacceptable and amounts to war crime.

Russia bears full responsibility for these acts of aggression and all the destruction and loss of life it causes. It will be held accountable for them.

The EU reiterates its full solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The EU will continue to provide strong support for Ukraine’s overall economic, military, social and financial resilience, including humanitarian aid.