An explosion at the Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid, Spain, early Wednesday reportedly injured one person.
Embassy spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said an explosive device was “hidden” in an envelope that detonated inside.
“FM @DmytroKuleba instructed to strengthen the security of all Ukrainian embassies,” Nikolenko tweeted. “He also called on the Spanish authorities to urgently investigate this attack.”
An explosive device hidden in an envelop detonated inside the embassy of Ukraine in Madrid. One staff member injured. FM @DmytroKuleba instructed to strengthen the security of all Ukrainian embassies. He also called on the Spanish authorities to urgently investigate this attack.
— Oleg Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) November 30, 2022
The envelope reportedly arrived by regular mail and was not scanned. The explosive device caused “a very small wound on the ring finger of the right hand” of the injured staffer, Reuters reported.
The unidentified man reportedly visited a local hospital for treatment.
The envelope is believed to have been addressed to Serhii Pohoreltsev, the ambassador, according to reporting by The Times.
Reuters added that the residential area around the embassy in Madrid had been cordoned off. A bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene.
Local authorities are investigating the incident. No person or group has claimed responsibility.
The explosion occurred just one day after Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba met with Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares.
“Grateful for providing air defense systems and generators,” Kuleba tweeted following the meeting. “He affirmed more supplies will be delivered. We also discussed the implementation of Ukraine’s peace formula announced by @ZelenskyyUa at G20 summit.”
I met with my Spanish counterpart, Ukraine’s true friend @JMAlbares. Grateful for providing air defense systems and generators. He affirmed more supplies will be delivered. We also discussed the implementation of Ukraine’s peace formula announced by @ZelenskyyUa at G20 summit. pic.twitter.com/5Y1Y7hv5Xf
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 29, 2022
The report also follows strong words by Secretary of State Antony Blinken against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He made the remarks during a press conference in Bucharest, Romania.
“Heat, water, electricity, for children, for the elderly, for the sick — these are President Putin’s new targets. He’s hitting them hard,” Blinken said. “This brutalization of Ukraine’s people is barbaric.”
Blinken’s visit came as the U.S. announced $53 million more in aid to help Ukrainians following attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The embassy explosion comes more than nine months after Russia invaded Ukraine. Western nations have condemned the Kremlin’s actions and have supported Ukraine in its resistance efforts.
Members of the United Nations General Assembly on November 14 called upon Russia to pay Ukraine war reparations due to violations of international law.
The resolution passed with 94 countries in favor and 14 opposed, with Russia, China, and Iran among the disapproving parties. Seventy-three countries abstained.