Ukraine’s FM: Syria Proves Russia Can Be Defeated and Forced to Retreat

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia is capable of retreating, highlighting recent events in Syria as evidence of Moscow’s setbacks, according to a report from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 16.

“The events in Syria are a spectacular failure of the Kremlin, which demonstrates that Russia is capable of suffering defeats and retreating,” Sybiha stated.

“It can and should be forced to peace. This is possible only if we are strong and united.”

Sybiha participated virtually in a European Union Foreign Ministers Council meeting, where he expressed gratitude for the EU’s adoption of its 15th sanctions package against Russia, targeting Moscow’s shadow fleet and escalating pressure on its economy.

The minister urged allies to continue raising the cost of war for Russia. “Pressure should continue to be increased through sectoral sanctions against Russia’s metallurgy, energy, and other critical sectors. The lower oil prices and energy profits for Russia, the closer a just peace will be,” he emphasized.

Sybiha also thanked European allies for their steadfast support of Ukraine throughout the year, calling for sustained unity to achieve peace through collective strength.

Earlier, Sybiha called on international partners to transition from freezing Russian assets to confiscating them entirely to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts.