The United Kingdom has condemned Russian missile strikes that killed at least 22 civilians in central Ukraine, as rescue workers continued to recover bodies from the rubble of damaged buildings. The attacks, which targeted residential areas in the city of Dnipro, drew immediate denunciation from London, with the Foreign Secretary calling them a “further violation of international humanitarian law”.
Local authorities reported that the strikes hit a block of flats and a medical facility during the morning hours, catching many residents in their homes. Emergency services worked through the night to locate survivors, but the death toll continued to rise as debris was cleared. At least 15 people were injured, some critically.
The UK’s response was swift and unequivocal. In a statement released from Whitehall, the government expressed solidarity with Ukraine and reiterated its commitment to holding Russia accountable. “These attacks on civilians are barbaric,” the statement read. “We stand with the Ukrainian people and will continue to support their right to self-defence.”
The strike is the latest in a series of Russian bombardments targeting civilian infrastructure and populated areas, a pattern that Western officials say amounts to war crimes. Ukraine has repeatedly called for more advanced air defence systems from its allies, a request that the UK has supported.
Analysts note that the timing of the attack, coming just before diplomatic talks aimed at easing the conflict, suggests Moscow may be seeking to gain leverage through force. The UK has been a leading voice in the international response to the war, providing military aid and imposing sanctions on Russian officials. Its latest condemnation reinforces a consistent stance: that Russia’s actions will not go unanswered.
As rescue operations continue, the world watches a conflict that shows no sign of abating. The death toll is expected to rise as more victims are found. The UK’s statement underscores the enduring alliances that have shaped the West’s response to the crisis.
