EU ambassador on overnight attack: "Kyiv has become a frontline city"

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová has commented on the 17 September Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.

Source: Mathernová on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Mathernová said the death toll in the city of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast alone since the beginning of August is approaching 120.

Quote: "Kyiv has become a frontline city. Since 27 August, we have had nighttime and daytime attacks. The Russians struck us heavily last night, with a massive combined missile & drone attack. The attack ended just a few minutes ago… Russia launched dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles and hundreds of drones, more than half of them jet-powered."

More details: Mathernová also commented on a Russian attack on a passenger train in Mykolaiv Oblast on 16 September. A total of 168 passengers and train attendants were evacuated because of the threat of further strikes.

Quote: "I love Ukrainian trains. I love travelling on them. Today I still do, but with fear."

More details: Mathernová pointed to Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing Ukraine's railway infrastructure as a "legitimate military target" and said no one could guarantee the safety of Western politicians and diplomats visiting Ukraine.

Quote: "That is not a warning. It is an admission."

Background:

• On the night of 16-17 September, Russia attacked Ukraine with 157 drones and anti-ship, ballistic and cruise missiles. Air defence forces have managed to down 131 aerial assets. The attack has injured 19 people, including two children, and damaged residential buildings, educational institutions, offices, a petrol station, warehouses, cars and railway infrastructure facilities.
• On 13 September, Russia attacked a locomotive near the Polish border. The state-run railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) suggested that the intended target may have been a train carrying European diplomats, which had departed the station earlier than scheduled.

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