Sybiha, amid new Russian attacks, urges partners to boost air defense, weapons and sanctions

In response to recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged international partners to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities, increase weapons deliveries, and intensify sanctions against Russia. Sybiha emphasized that Russia should face consequences for its actions, stating, "Russia should enter this winter knowing that the sky over Ukraine is getting harder to penetrate, that the missiles and drones it produces will be intercepted more and more often, and that the industry, technology, revenues and supply chains sustaining its attacks will face growing disruption and cost."

Sybiha reported that Russia launched attacks overnight, striking cities and communities throughout Ukraine, with the assaults persisting into the morning. The foreign minister explained that Russia intensifies its attacks when it perceives insufficient consequences, expanding the geographical scope and frequency of strikes to gauge the limits of its capabilities.

To counter these assaults, Sybiha called for immediate action from international partners, including the provision of additional air defense systems and interceptors, particularly to neutralize ballistic missiles. He also advocated for supplying more missiles for F-16 jets and additional aircraft to reinforce Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Furthermore, Sybiha advocated for imposing stricter sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex and sanctions-evading networks.

Sybiha stressed that the international community cannot remain passive while Russia targets Ukrainians, likening it to treating the Ukrainian people as targets on a shooting range. He stressed that closing Ukraine's skies should not be a reactive response to individual attacks but a concerted effort to deprive Russia of the confidence that its terrorizing actions can continue indefinitely at an acceptable cost.

Sybiha concluded, "The longer Moscow sees hesitation, the more it will try. The task is to change that calculation."