German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday sharply criticized Russia's latest overnight attacks on Ukraine, which sparked a fire at a UNESCO world heritage site in Kiev.
Wadephul described the strikes as "heinous attacks" which had targeted European cultural sites of inestimable value.
"This shows that there is still no genuine willingness on the Russian side to enter into negotiations," Wadephul said, amid speculation on a possible resumption of talks between Ukraine and Russia on a ceasefire.
Germany would continue to support Ukraine and maintain its sanctions policy against Russia, the German top diplomat said on the sidelines of an EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg, where they are expected to agree to slap further sanctions on Russia over the war.
Several people were killed in a new wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight, which also sparked a fire at the main church of the UNESCO-protected Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex in Kiev, Ukrainian officials said early on Monday.
Tymur Tkachenko, the military governor of the capital, said the attack caused serious damage on the grounds of the historic monastery, which is owned by the Ukrainian state. Images circulating on social media appeared to show flames on the roof of the Dormition Cathedral, the complex's main church.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the site was hit by a Patriot air defence missile deployed by Kiev to fend off the incoming Russian barrage.
It was not possible to independently verify the claim.
