Ukraine has right to defend itself against Russian aggression – US, EU comment on Moscow strike

The State Department's reaction was shared by its spokesman Matthew Miller. 

When asked whether the US supports the words of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the return of the war "to its symbolic centres" in Moscow is an "inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process", Miller said that he was "not sure that I would agree with that interpretation of what symbolic centers means.".

"I will say that we neither encourage nor enable strikes outside Ukraine’s borders. But as we have said many times, it is up for – to Ukraine to decide how to conduct this war," the State Department spokesman said.

He also reminded that "it has been Ukrainian civilian infrastructure that has been targeted over and over" by the Russians, and "it is Ukrainian civilians that have been murdered in this war" when Russia strikes schools, hospitals and apartment buildings.

The EU also commented on the recent drone attacks in the Russian capital Moscow, noting that it does not trust Russian claims. This was stated by Nabila Massrali, spokesperson for the EU External Action Service, at a briefing on Tuesday, according to European Pravda.

"We have seen reports that drones were flying in the Moscow region. We don't know the origin, circumstances or other details, and any Russian statements on this matter are not credible, as Russia is actively manipulating any information. Russia must not use this as a pretext for further escalation," she stressed.

Massrali added that the EU condemns Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Ukraine has every right to defend itself against Russian aggression, the right to self-defence. Weapons from the EU can only be used to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We have established a strict mechanism to ensure that the equipment provided by the EU is under the sole responsibility and control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the sole purpose of self-defence," she stressed.

• As a reminder, on the night of July 30, the Russian capital was attacked by drones that were allegedly shot down by air defence. The building of the Moscow City business centre, which houses the offices of several Russian ministries, was damaged.
• On the night of August 1, another drone attack on Moscow took place: two drones were allegedly shot down by air defence, and one of the drones hit the same Moscow City tower, destroying the floor where the Russian Ministry of Economy is located.