The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has reacted to the latest threats from the Russian Federation. The corresponding statement was made by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, emphasizing the need for an adequate response from the international community to Russia’s actions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine’s position and that of the international community
According to Sybiha, over 70 representatives of foreign diplomatic missions visited the sites affected by the Russian shelling in Kyiv. The minister stressed that the Ukrainian side, together with its partners, is discussing the issue of preventing the influence of Russian blackmail and escalation. He noted that Russia is trying to pressure Western countries using threats, including nuclear ones, joint exercises with Belarus, and a demonstrative refusal to seek a peaceful resolution to the situation.
“We are currently discussing with our partners that we should not succumb to this Russian blackmail. We have been through this before and know when he (Putin – ed.) escalates this rhetoric. That is, he escalates, trying to influence this so-called ‘Western mentality’. So, nuclear threats and joint exercises with Belarus. This is his mockery of peaceful efforts. They show no signs of a peaceful process; on the contrary, they escalate. Therefore, the world’s reaction must be proportional,” said the minister during a joint press conference with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Kyiv.
Sybiha also emphasized that discussions with partners concern not only political statements but also specific steps to support Ukraine, including the provision of new aid packages. The minister is convinced that Russia must realize the consequences of refusing serious negotiations and further aggression.
Massive attack and consequences for Kyiv
On May 25, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the possibility of strikes on “decision-making centers and command posts” in Kyiv, urging foreign citizens, including diplomats and representatives of international organizations, to leave the city as soon as possible.
On the night of May 24, Ukraine experienced one of the most massive attacks from Russia: according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 600 drones of various types and 90 air, sea, and ground-based missiles were launched. The main strike was aimed at Kyiv. As a result of this attack, four people were killed across Ukraine, and about a hundred were injured.
In the capital, two people died as a result of the shelling, and another 91 were injured. Damage was recorded at 49 sites in areas of Kyiv such as Shevchenkivskyi, Darnytskyi, Desnianskyi, Obolonskyi, and Holosiivskyi.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, residential and private buildings, shopping centers, educational institutions, a market, administrative buildings of the State Emergency Service and police, as well as the National Chernobyl Museum, were damaged in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that about 30 residential buildings in the capital were destroyed or severely damaged.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the strikes were carried out on military command facilities, air bases, and enterprises of Ukraine’s defense industry using drones and missiles, including the ballistic missiles “Oreshnik”.