Ukrainian foreign minister responds sharply to Lavrov’s threats to attack Kyiv
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (GettyImages)
Statements made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding possible strikes on Kyiv are a blatant provocation and demonstrate Moscow’s interest in continuing the war, according to Interfax-Ukraine.
Sybiha on Lavrov's statements
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on Sergey Lavrov’s threats of strikes on Kyiv during contacts with US officials.
He called such statements provocative and stressed that they confirm Russia’s intention to continue hostilities.
According to Sybiha, the very fact that such threats are publicly voiced demonstrates contempt for international efforts to end the war.
Ukraine’s response and expectations from partners
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister said Kyiv expects a stronger reaction from international partners.
He stressed that it is not enough to limit responses to warnings or recommendations for diplomatic missions to leave Ukraine.
Sybiha said clear signals must be sent to Moscow demanding that it refrain from striking Ukraine’s capital and civilian infrastructure.
"Signals must go to Moscow"
The minister emphasized that the international stance should aim at pressuring Russia rather than just recording its threats.
He slammed the decision to make such threats public, especially when directed at the US, given its role in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
According to him, such actions demonstrate disregard for the peace process and international initiatives.
Ukraine’s position: increasing pressure on Russia
Sybiha noted that Russia must understand the consequences of its policy and actions.
"Russia must be stopped, and it can only be stopped by force, additional sanctions, additional isolation, frozen assets. What is sensitive for them, for their economy, what weakens them, what prevents them from financing their military machine," the minister said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that the United Kingdom has strengthened sanctions pressure on Russia by expanding its list of restrictions.
According to him, 18 financial institutions were targeted by the new measures, including banks and cryptocurrency platforms used to bypass existing sanctions.
