Qatar embassy damaged in Russian drone attack on Kyiv, Zelenskyy says

A Russian drone strike damaged the Qatar embassy building in Kyiv, alongside Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy called for “a clear reaction from the world,” emphasizing the role of the United States, Caliber.Az reports.

“In addition to our civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, a building of the Embassy of Qatar was damaged last night by a Russian drone – Qatar, a state that does so much to mediate with Russia in order to secure the release of prisoners of war and civilians held in Russian prisons." 

"A clear reaction from the world is needed. Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to. Russia must receive signals that it is its obligation to focus on diplomacy, and must feel consequences every time it again focuses on killings and the destruction of infrastructure. Today’s strike also serves as a very loud reminder to all our partners that supporting Ukraine’s air defense is a permanent priority. Not a single day can be lost in deliveries, in production, or in agreements. Today, we will inform our partners at all levels about what has happened and what response measures we need. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!" Zelenskyy wrote.

The attack was part of a massive overnight Russian offensive on January 9, which Kyiv says killed four people and injured at least 22. Moscow said it deployed a hypersonic Oreshnik missile, alongside a barrage of 242 drones and 36 missiles, targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including energy facilities and drone manufacturing sites.

Ukraine’s air defenses reportedly intercepted 226 drones and 18 missiles, though the air force noted that 18 missiles and 16 attack drones still struck their intended targets across 19 sites, causing significant damage.

The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the strike was in response to an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences in Russia’s Novgorod region in late December. Kyiv dismissed this claim as “a lie,” denying any attempted attack on Russian presidential property.

The assault came shortly after Moscow condemned a Western plan to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine following a proposed ceasefire agreement, heightening tensions across the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva