Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed reports circulating in Ukrainian media claiming that the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Kyiv was damaged during a Russian strike on January 9.
In a statement posted on Telegram on January 10, the Russian Foreign Ministry said diplomatic missions are not targets of the Russian Armed Forces.
The Ministry added that there were no military or other designated targets in the immediate vicinity of the Qatari embassy at the time of the incident.
“Ukrainian sources are circulating reports alleging that the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Kiev sustained damage during the Russian strike on January 9. Diplomatic missions have never been targeted by the Russian Armed Forces,” read part of the statement.
Moscow suggested that the damage to the embassy building was caused by a malfunction of the Ukrainian air defence system.
Also Read: Tensions Rise as Russian, Chinese, and Iranian Warships Arrive for South Africa Naval Drills
Ukraine Reports That Russia Attack Hit Qatar Embassy
On January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the world, particularly the United States, must respond decisively to Russia’s large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine, which involved the use of a medium-range ballistic missile known as Oreshnik.
The strike caused damage to the Qatari embassy in the capital.
In addition, the strike damaged civilian infrastructure and energy facilities.
President Zelenskyy said that the recent Russian strike served as a reminder to Ukraine’s partners that supporting the country’s air defence remains an urgent and ongoing priority.
Also Read: Win for Zelenskyy as Russian Casualties Surge Past 1.2 Million
Drones And Missiles Strike Kyiv
Zelenskyy said that in Kyiv and surrounding areas, authorities were still dealing with the aftermath of a massive Russian strike.
Emergency services were fully deployed.
The attack damaged 20 residential buildings in the capital alone, and recovery operations were ongoing in Lviv and other regions.
Four people have been confirmed dead in Kyiv, including a member of an ambulance crew. Dozens more sustained injuries.
A second strike hit one of the residential buildings while first responders were assisting victims of the initial attack.
Overall, the last night’s attack involved 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles targeting energy and civilian infrastructure, one Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, and 22 cruise missiles.
The strike occurred during a severe cold spell, deliberately targeting the everyday lives of ordinary people.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
