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EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernová: We are here. We stand with Ukraine. And we will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

A year ago, russia’s attack damaged the EU Delegation to Ukraine office in Kyiv.

russia’s war continues to put civilians and civilian infrastructure at risk.

We are here. We stand with Ukraine. And we will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

attack on the delegation
© Dmytro Vasyliev

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernová:

“Exactly a year ago on this day,  diplomatic mission, our Eu Delegation was attacked by the russians.

In the last 36 hours, we have just lived through one of the longest waves of russian attacks on Kyiv. It began during the night of 27 August, continued throughout the day and ran straight into another attack overnight.

Yesterday alone, Kyiv faced 13 separate air-raid alerts. The highest number in a single day since the full-scale invasion. More than fourteen hours of sirens, explosions and waiting. No sleep. Stress.

During the first wave, Ukraine reported intercepting seven ballistic missiles and 258 drones. This night russia launched another 164 drones. Strikes were recorded at 16 locations.

I must admit that I am really tired. We all are.

And today marks exactly one year since a russian attack badly damaged the EU Delegation building in Kyiv. Two windows remain unrepaired - as a reminder of the attack. I see them every day as I come to the office.

damage of the office

EU Delegation to Ukraine

I was in Slovakia, arranging the funeral of my dear mother, when my colleague woke me up at 6am, with a stark message: “we were attacked”. “The russians have hit our Delegation building. The damage is serious”, he said.

I remember my voice shaking as I asked if everyone was safe. Thankfully, the answer was yes. The attack came in early hours, before colleagues made it to the office.

Now Bloomberg reports, citing three people close to the kremlin, that Moscow is considering even more powerful ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, including the city centre.

Even more. Is that still possible?

I cannot imagine the weight of this constant stress on Ukrainians. The exhaustion of never knowing whether the next siren will pass. Or change your life forever.

Photo:

Dima Vasiliev taken today, as  Delegation colleagues gathered to mark the first year since the attack. Of course, sporting the Victory sign!”