After Russia’s massive overnight attack on Kyiv, Ukraine is calling on its partners not to delay decisions on the delivery of air defense systems and missiles.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this.
According to him, this is Ukraine’s main request to its partners after the “night of horror” Kyiv endured.
“Do not delay decisions on air defense for Ukraine. This is our main request to our partners after Kyiv suffered a night of horror,” Sybiha said.
The minister noted that at least 10 people were killed in Russia’s attack on the Ukrainian capital, which involved various types of missiles and drones. According to him, the number may rise further as rescue teams continue their work.
Sybiha stressed that Russia targeted residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
“War criminal Putin can only wage a vile and terrorist war against civilians, women and children. Because in his war against Ukraine’s Defense Forces he cannot achieve a single result,” the foreign minister said.
He emphasized that such strikes are grave war crimes. Ukraine is informing all partners and international organizations about them and is calling for accountability and a strong response.
Sybiha said that on the second day of his working visit to Japan, he would brief all his interlocutors on the strike and on the need to increase pressure on the aggressor and support for the Ukrainian people.
“We demand strong international responses. Not only words of condemnation, but concrete action to stop Russian terror,” the minister stressed.
According to him, decisions on air defense systems and missiles for Ukraine are needed “right now, not later.”
Sybiha added that decisions to increase sanctions pressure on Russia and expand support for Ukraine, including energy assistance, are also needed immediately.
The minister also emphasized that it is immoral to justify Russian atrocities against Ukrainians by claiming that Moscow is acting in response to Ukraine’s long-range strikes against Russia.
Sybiha said that in this war, there is an aggressor and a country defending itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
“Russia has no right to strike Ukraine, while Ukraine has every right to respond, defend itself from the aggressor, and strike any legitimate military targets in Russia,” he said.
The foreign minister urged the world not to equate the aggressor with the country defending itself and not to justify atrocities that cannot be justified.
“This war is not only about Ukraine, it is about principles. And we need everyone in the world to be principled at this challenging time,” Sybiha concluded.
