European Council President António Costa has condemned Russia for intentionally targeting Ukrainian first responders amid a wave of Russian airstrikes. The attacks, which struck cities including Odessa, Kiev, and Dnipro overnight, resulted in at least 14 deaths and injured dozens more. Costa highlighted that Russian forces deliberately carried out follow-up strikes on emergency services, aiming to terrorize civilians and undermine rescue efforts.

The escalation has drawn strong condemnation from the EU, which vows to intensify pressure on Moscow. Brussels is also hopeful that new sanctions on Russia and a €90 billion aid package for Ukraine can be swiftly implemented, especially with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's expected departure following recent elections. The ongoing conflict continues to evoke international concern over escalating violence and humanitarian impact.