Azerbaijani embassy in Kyiv damaged amid Russian attacks, President Zelenskyy condemns strikes

The Azerbaijani Embassy building in Kyiv sustained damage during a recent wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital, though no casualties among embassy staff were reported.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident in response to media inquiries, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the Ministry’s statement, in the early hours of August 28, around 3 a.m., Kyiv came under attack by a barrage of missiles and drones. One missile explosion caused damage to the embassy building due to the blast wave, shattering several windows and causing cracks on the roof of the consular section. Despite the structural damage, the diplomatic mission continues its operations uninterrupted.

Shortly after the news emerged, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the broader context of the attacks via social media. He revealed that Russian forces had launched a massive assault on Ukraine overnight, deploying over 30 missiles and approximately 600 drones. The relentless bombardment resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including four children, with dozens more critically injured and receiving urgent medical care.

Highlighting the extent of destruction, Zelenskyy detailed that, in addition to the Azerbaijani embassy, a Turkish enterprise, the European Union delegation, the British Council, and several residential areas also suffered damage during the attacks.

Framing these strikes as a direct retaliation by Russian President Vladimir Putin against Ukraine and its Western allies’ efforts to halt ongoing hostilities, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for increased international pressure. “This is Putin’s response to all attempts by Ukraine, the US, and European partners to stop the killings,” he asserted. The Ukrainian leader called for enhanced sanctions, tariffs, and political measures, underscoring Ukraine’s reliance on decisive action to counter the aggression.

By Vafa Guliyeva