outraged by the attack on KEF, also
hitting our EU offices.
This was the deadliest drone and missile
attack on the capital since July. And as
you can see behind me on the screen. Um,
it was an attack also on our delegation.
I just spoke with our deputy ambassador
and I'm relieved that none of our staff
were harmed. Last night's attack struck
in close proximity of the diplomatic
mission, the representation of our
union. Two missiles hit in a distance of
50 meters of the delegation within 20
seconds. And this is another grim
reminder of what is at stake.
It shows that the Kremlin will stop at
nothing to terrorize Ukraine,
blindly killing civilians, men, women,
and children, and even targeting the
European Union.
This is why we are keeping maximum
pressure on Russia. That means
tightening our sanctions regime.
We will come forward soon with our 19th
package of hardbiting sanctions.
And in parallel, we are advancing the
work on the Russian frozen assets to
contribute to Ukraine's defense and
reconstruction.
And of course, we're ensuring strong
unwavering support to Ukraine, our
neighbor, partner, friend, and our
future member.
Tomorrow I will travel to the seven
member states that are strengthening and
protecting our external borders with
Russia and Barus.
I want to express the EU's full
solidarity with them and share the
progress we are making in building a
strong European defense industry,
especially through our joint defense
instrument safe.
And finally, I want to thank our brave
staff in the EU delegation in Ukraine.
They are doing outstanding work under
extremely difficult conditions. I will
deliver this message to them in person
when I next go to KE. Thank you very
much.