'Don't just watch': Ukraine urges West to defund Russia's war machine after deadly Kyiv strikes
Photo: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The EU and the US must not just observe but strengthen sanctions against Russia amid its massive attacks on Ukraine, says Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
"Massive Russian attack this night. Kyiv had a particularly dreadful night, with brutal attacks by swarms of drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles," Sybiha said.
According to him, the nighttime shelling in Kyiv caused:
- Damage to residential buildings;
- Civilian casualties.
He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects any peace efforts and diplomacy in favor of terror and war crimes.
"I urge partners to move quickly on both the US Senate bill and the EU's 18th sanctions package. Don't just watch Russia terrorize people in Ukraine. Act now to defund Russia's war machine," Sybiha said.
The EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia
On June 10, the European Commission presented a new sanctions package targeting Russia. The measures aim to hit Russian revenues from energy, banking, and the military industry.
A few weeks later, Slovakia and Hungary opposed the restrictions, unwilling to lose access to cheap Russian oil and gas.
Slovakia explained it would lift its veto if the EU provided guarantees to mitigate the negative impact of abandoning Russian energy sources.
Ultimately, on July 9, Bratislava again blocked the sanctions against Russia during the EU ambassadors' meeting.
