UK summons Russian ambassador over Ukraine strikes

Russia’s ambassador to the UK is to be summoned to the Foreign Office, following Moscow’s major strikes on Kyiv overnight.

At least 15 people, including four children were killed in a wave of attacks on Ukraine’s capital. The offices of the British Council were “severely damaged,” the organisation said.

Andrei Kelin is expected to meet foreign office officials – not ministers – when he arrives.

In a post on X, Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed Mr Kelin had been summoned, and added “the killing and destruction must stop”.

The British Council which works to promote cultural relationships between the UK and other countries, said a guard working at its office was injured in the attack and being treated in hospital for injuries.

In a statement it said: “Following last night’s attack on Kyiv, our British Council office has been severely damaged and will be closed to visitors until further notice.

“While there may be some delays in our responses, our work with our Ukrainian partners in education and culture continues.”

Lammy condemned the attack and said: “Putin strikes last night killed civilians, destroyed homes and damaged buildings, including the British Council and EU Delegation in Kyiv.”

The EU will also summon its Russian envoy over Moscow’s strikes on Kyiv, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said.

The overnight attacks hit the bloc’s offices in Kyiv, causing damage to the building but no injuries to staff.

Kallas said the attack showed Russia had made a “deliberate choice to escalate and mock the peace efforts”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Russia of “sabotaging hopes of peace” with its “senseless” attacks.