'Stop whining': Ukraine sharply responds to Putin’s complaints about strikes on Russia
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine reminded Moscow that it is the aggressor, while the actions of Ukrainian soldiers are defensive. At the same time, President Vladimir Putin was advised not to whine, but to agree to a ceasefire, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
"In response to the complaints of the Russian dictator, we emphasize that Russia is once again confusing cause and effect, black and white," the statement reads.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded that the UN General Assembly has officially recognized Russia, in a number of resolutions, as a state committing aggression against Ukraine in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. International law, particularly Article 51 of the UN Charter, clearly provides for the inherent right of self-defense in such situations. There are no territorial limitations to this right.
"This means that strikes on legitimate military targets in Russia are a permitted means of defense against the aggressor, including the protection of civilians from Russian missile and drone terror," the ministry noted.
The ministry added that the aircraft targeted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on June 1 were vulnerable to attack because they had been fueled and armed for yet another strike on Ukraine — aimed at killing our children, civilians, and military personnel.
The MFA emphasized that Ukraine adheres to international humanitarian law and strikes only at military targets. In contrast, Russia primarily targets civilians and seeks to maximize civilian casualties.
The ministry also recalled that Ukraine agreed to a full and unconditional ceasefire three months ago — and that commitment remains in force. Russia, however, stubbornly refuses to stop the attacks.
"Therefore, Putin should stop whining about Ukrainian strikes on his aircraft and instead agree to at least a 30-day ceasefire, abandon unrealistic ultimatums, stop dodging a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and begin good-faith negotiations to establish a just and lasting peace," the ministry stated.
Historic SBU strike
On June 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out a historic and unprecedented attack on Russian airfields. The operation, codenamed Spiderweb, had been in preparation for a year and a half.
Using FPV drones, the SBU struck the Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo Russian air bases. The goal of the operation was to target strategic aviation aircraft used by Russia to launch strikes against Ukraine.
It is known that at least 41 Russian strategic aircraft were hit, including Tu-95s, Tu-22M3s, and A-50s. The SBU stated that this represents one-third of Russia’s entire strategic fleet, with losses estimated at around $7 billion.
Putin’s complaints
Recently, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation. Among other topics, they discussed Ukraine’s attack on Russian airfields.
According to Trump, Putin told him that he was "forced to respond" to Ukraine’s operation.
Today, June 5, the Kremlin confirmed that Trump and Putin discussed the SBU’s special operation. Putin’s side expressed a desire to hear words of condemnation from the American president.
