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Ukraine Hits Military Targets, Russia Bombs Civilians in Response, Says Ukrainian FM Sybiha

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Vlad Litnarovych
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Ukraine Hits Military Targets, Russia Bombs Civilians in Response, Says Ukrainian FM Sybiha
Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, speaks to the press at the European Council headquarters during the meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers on May 20, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russia’s massive overnight strike on Ukrainian cities, describing it as a brutal retaliation for the recent destruction of Russian military aircraft, “Overnight, Russia ‘responded’ to its destroyed aircraft… by attacking civilians in Ukraine,” Sybiha wrote on X on June 6.

He emphasized the contrast between Ukraine’s self-defense operations and Russia’s actions, stating “The difference between Ukraine and Russia is that Ukraine hits legitimate military targets—such as aircraft equipped to bomb our children. Russia targets residential areas, civilians, and critical infrastructure.”

Sybiha called Russia the clear aggressor in this war, asserting that Ukraine’s military actions are defensive, while Russia’s strikes constitute acts of terror.

“Putting Ukraine and Russia on equal footing is unacceptable. Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine defends itself,” he wrote.

“Russia’s overnight attack on civilians once again demonstrates that the international pressure on Moscow must be increased as soon as possible. Russia’s only argument is terror. Our response should be strong sanctions, which can increase the cost of war for the aggressor, and new decisions strengthening Ukraine’s defense,” he added.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also responded to the attack, which he said involved more than 400 drones and over 40 missiles, including ballistic types.

According to Zelenskyy, the strikes left 49 people injured and at least three confirmed dead — all of them members of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. He warned the casualty toll could rise.

“Russia doesn`t change its stripes – another massive strike on cities and ordinary life,” Zelenskyy wrote. “They targeted almost all of Ukraine – Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions.”

Some drones and missiles were intercepted, Zelenskyy said, and he thanked Ukrainian defenders for their efforts. However, many weapons broke through, damaging high-rise buildings and energy infrastructure across the country. Rescue efforts are ongoing.

“Russia must be held accountable for this,” Zelenskyy said. “Since the first minute of this war, they have been striking cities and villages to destroy life. We’ve done a lot together with the world to enable Ukraine to defend itself. But now is exactly the moment when America, Europe, and everyone around the world can stop this war together by pressuring Russia.”

“If someone is not applying pressure and is giving the war more time to take lives – that is complicity and accountability. We must act decisively,” he concluded.

Earlier, Zelenskyy, responding to reports of recent conversations between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, cautioned that Russia continues to act without fear of consequences—and that hesitation from the international community may be encouraging further escalation.

“Many have spoken with Russia at various levels. Yet none of these talks have led to lasting peace — not even a pause in the war,” Zelenskyy said.

“Unfortunately, Putin senses impunity, and even after all the horrific strikes, he appears to be preparing new so-called ‘responses,’” he noted. “With every new strike on Ukraine, and with every new delay in diplomacy, Russia is showing the world its middle finger.”

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