Russian Air Strikes Destroy Latvia’s Honorary Consulate in Donetsk Region

A Russian airstrike targeting the honorary consulate of Latvia in Sloviansk killed five people and injured at least nine others, according to statements from Latvian officials and on-the-ground reporting published on July 24, 2026. Ukrainian military video footage from the scene shows that the Russian forces directly targeted the diplomatic office, utilizing two 250-kilogram aviation bombs against an area devoid of military infrastructure.

Deliberate Attack on Diplomatic Office Confirmed

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže confirmed the nature of the strike in statements to TV3 Ziņas, stating that Russian forces intentionally targeted the representation. According to Braže, there are no military objects or other installations located in the immediate vicinity of the consulate.

“It is completely clear that this was not accidental, because there are no other objects or any military in the vicinity, this is a conscious hit,” Braže told TV3 Ziņas. In response to the attack, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the head of the Russian representation in Latvia, announced plans to submit a formal note, and briefed European ministers and international organizations.

Casualties and Frontline Impact

The bombing resulted in five fatalities and at least nine injuries. The victims include consulate staff who are Ukrainian citizens, as well as residents of Sloviansk who were traveling along the adjacent street at the moment of the impact, as reported by TV3 Ziņas.

Volodymyr Streltsov, a chaplain and deputy to Latvia’s honorary consul in the Donetsk region, noted the significance of the destroyed location. “This was a place that served as our connection with the European Union,” Streltsov said, adding that despite the destruction, the honorary consulate will continue its work on the frontlines.

International Condemnation

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs condemned the attack via social media platform X, categorizing the event as a war crime. “The destruction of the office of Latvia’s honorary consulate in Sloviansk is yet another Russian war crime. Latvia stands with Ukraine,” Rinkēvičs wrote, affirming ongoing support for honorary consul Oleksandr Pavenko and frontline aid workers.

Foreign Minister Braže echoed these sentiments publicly, stating that while Russia can destroy physical structures, it cannot break the will of Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts continue as international partners review the formal notes and briefings submitted by Riga regarding the breach of diplomatic safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the targeted Latvian consulate located?

The honorary consulate office was located in Sloviansk, within the Donetsk region of Ukraine.

How many casualties resulted from the strike?

According to verified reports, five people were killed and at least nine others were injured, including local residents and consulate staff.

What diplomatic measures has Latvia taken?

Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced the summoning of the Russian representative, the filing of a formal note, and briefings delivered to European and international organization ministers.