Following Russian air raids on Kyiv, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has called on the German government to initiate diplomatic measures. Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD parliamentary group spokesperson for foreign policy, told Tagesspiegel that Germany should summon the Russian ambassador, stating that an event like this cannot go unaddressed by diplomatic consequences.
The incident stems from extensive missile and drone attacks launched by Russia against the Ukrainian capital on Sunday night. Among the targets was the ARD studio in Kyiv, which sustained massive damage and was partially destroyed. According to WDR, walls collapsed, windows shattered, and equipment was destroyed. ARD correspondent Vassili Golod confirmed on X that his team was fortunately unharmed and that no staff members were present in the studio at the time of the attack.
The SPD foreign policy spokesman viewed these recent assaults as further proof that Russian President Putin seeks escalation and terrorism against the Ukrainian civilian population rather than peace. He argued that Russia deliberately targets civilian infrastructure while simultaneously attempting to intimidate independent reporting.
From the SPD’s perspective, Europe must not respond to these actions with silence. Ahmetovic stressed that “maximum solidarity, further pressure on Moscow, and decisive support for Ukraine” are now necessary, concluding that “this war must end”.
