Ukraine urges allies to act after Russian strike on Kyiv
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Getty Images)
Following another massive Russian attack on Kyiv, Ukraine has urged its international partners not to delay decisions on strengthening the country's air defenses, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
According to the minister, the overnight attack on Kyiv was another act of Russian terror against civilians. He said Russia launched around 30 ballistic missiles during the strike.
"The second such massive strike in just two days," Sybiha noted.
The foreign minister stressed that, having failed to achieve its goals on the battlefield, Russia is intensifying its air attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
He therefore urged partners to speed up the delivery of additional air and missile defense systems to Ukraine, as well as interceptor missiles.
"The speed of decisions and deliveries is critical. Every decision that strengthens the defense of Ukrainian skies saves human lives, while every delay leads to deaths and war crimes," Sybiha said.
The minister also stressed that, in his view, protecting Ukrainian airspace is one of the key factors that will determine the further course of the war.
"It is the battle for the skies that will define the trajectory of this war. The stronger the air shield over Ukraine, the closer peace becomes," he concluded.
On the night of August 1, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region.
The attack killed nine people and injured 28 others, including four children.
Damage and fires were reported in five districts of the capital — Solomianskyi, Darnytskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Dniprovskyi and Pecherskyi.
