Ukrainian foreign minister urges partners to speed up provision of air defence systems after Kyiv's "night of horror"
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged Western partners to urgently provide Ukraine with air defence systems following a Russian large-scale attack on Kyiv on the night of 1-2 July.
Source: European Pravda, citing Sybiha on X (Twitter)
Quote: "Do not delay decisions on air defence for Ukraine! This is our main request to our partners after Kyiv suffered a night of horror. At least 10 people have been killed as a result of Russia's brutal attack against the Ukrainian capital with all types of missiles and drones. Sadly, this number may further rise."
Details: Sybiha said that Russian forces had targeted residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
"War criminal Putin can only wage a vile and terroristic war against civilians, women and children. Because in his war against Ukraine's defence forces he cannot achieve a single result. Such strikes are grave war crimes and we are informing all partners and international organisations about them, calling for accountability and strong responses," he added.
He stressed that Ukraine needs "not only words of condemnation but concrete action to stop Russian terror".
"Decisions on air defence systems and missiles for Ukraine are needed right now, not later! Decisions to increase sanctions pressure on Russia are needed right now, not later! Decisions to increase support for Ukraine, including energy assistance, are needed right now, not later!" the foreign minister emphasised.
Sybiha also said it was immoral to justify Russian attacks by claiming that Moscow was merely responding to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory.
"In this war, there is an aggressor and a country defending itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Russia has no right to make any strikes against Ukraine, while Ukraine has every right to respond, defend from aggressor, and strike any legitimate military targets in Russia," he stressed.
Background:
- Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that 13 people were killed and 86 injured in the Russian strike on Kyiv on the night of 1-2 July.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 1 July that Russia was preparing a new large-scale strike against Ukraine.
- It was later reported that Russian forces had attacked Kyiv with drones. Subsequently, missiles were also reported heading towards the capital.
- Damage and destruction caused by the attack was recorded in five districts of Kyiv Oblast, and three people were injured.
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