Sybiha: Diplomacy With Russia Needs to be Backed With Military Pressure

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that any diplomatic efforts with Russia must be backed by military force, sanctions, and pressure.

Sybiha made the remarks following a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on March 24, which injured at least 65 people, including many civilians.

The strike, which hit several high-rise buildings and a school, was condemned by Sybiha as another example of Russia’s brutal attacks on densely populated areas.

“Instead of making empty statements about peace, Russia must stop bombing our cities and end the war against the civilian population,” he emphasized on social media.

Sybiha’s comments come amid ongoing negotiations between US and Russian delegations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The talks are centered on renewing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, from which Russia withdrew in 2023. Following these discussions, the US and Ukrainian delegations are expected to hold another round of talks.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia had influenced some members of US President Donald Trump’s team through disinformation efforts.