Statement from Ukraine's Top Diplomat
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has responded to Russia's overnight attack on the city of Sumy, which killed at least four civilians, including a child. The strike, carried out with an aerial bomb dropped on the city center, also left 33 people wounded, seven of them children.
Sybiha stated that Moscow 'stopped even pretending to distinguish between military targets and residential neighborhoods long ago.' He emphasized that Russia bombs apartment buildings in the dead of night, believing it can do so with impunity. The minister called on the international community to take decisive action, declaring:
“Those who still believe that Russia can be persuaded to stop with words should look at what happened today in Sumy.” - Andrii Sybiha
Sybiha stressed that a regime that bombs children 'understands only one language – the language of force.' He urged international partners to ramp up support for Ukraine, specifically calling for:
- additional air defense systems
- interceptor missiles
The minister also advocated for tougher sanctions, deeper isolation, and greater pressure on Russia, stating that 'only this can force Russia to end this war.' Sybiha noted that 'every Russian attack sends the same signal: Moscow has no intention of stopping its war,' and urged the world to respond with actions, not words.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Ukraine
This assault on Sumy once again highlights the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and intensifies international pressure on Russia. Ukraine's push for membership in international organizations and alliances capable of providing military support has become even more urgent in the wake of such tragedies. The Ukrainian leadership's calls for stronger sanctions and increased backing from partners may prove decisive in countering an aggression that has now persisted for years.
The urgent need for enhanced military support is underscored by recent events, including the deadly strike on Kyiv, which prompted Ukraine's Foreign Minister to call for immediate air defense assistance. This situation emphasizes the critical importance of international solidarity in the face of escalating aggression. For more details on the minister's plea for air defense systems, see how he urged partners to act swiftly in response to these attacks following the assault on Kyiv.