Attack on Sumy and Kryvyi Rih: Sybiha issues powerful call to Europe

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, stated that the horrific Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rih and Sumy demonstrated that Russian president Vladimir Putin is intent on continuing the war. Europe must take decisive steps to strengthen both Ukraine’s and its own capabilities, increase pressure on the aggressor, and accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the EU.

Sybiha made these remarks on April 14 during an online address to the EU Foreign Affairs Council, as reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs press service.

Aid for Sumy and Kryvyi Rih

Sybiha spoke in detail about the Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy, which resulted in numerous civilian deaths, as well as a prior strike on Kryvyi Rih and other acts of terror by Russia.

“Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week were supposed to be a time of peace, but Putin turned them into a time of terror. This is a grim reality in modern Europe. Cluster warheads that kill children during major religious holidays. The strike on Sumy was not just an attack on a Ukrainian city. It was an attack on our shared principles, on the values of modern Europe,” the minister said.

He urged Europe to provide additional support for Sumy and Kryvyi Rih.

“I call on your governments and municipalities to consider providing extra support for Sumy and Kryvyi Rih, for the people in these cities. All of Ukraine will be grateful to you,” Sybiha said.

Increasing military aid to Ukraine

He also urged his European counterparts to enhance military support for Ukraine, particularly in strengthening air defense capabilities: additional systems, launchers, missiles, and spare parts.

The Foreign Minister also briefed the EU on Ukraine’s efforts to develop its own strategic-level air defense system and proposed that EU states invest in the program to help speed up its implementation.

Additionally, Sybiha emphasized Ukraine’s need for ammunition, long-range missiles, armored vehicles, engineering equipment, combat aircraft, drones, and further investments in the country’s defense industry.

EU Membership

The minister reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to swiftly begin negotiations for EU membership. He stressed that now is not the time to delay the accession process. According to Sybiha, Eurointegration is one of the key factors in ensuring long-term stability and peace in Europe.

The strategy toward Russia must be one of strength

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister emphasized that the overall strategy toward Russia should not be about concessions, but about greater strength, self-reliance, and European leadership.

“Putin will move deeper into Europe and closer to your homes if he is not stopped in Ukraine. That’s the reality. And we don’t want your countries to ever experience strikes by cluster ballistic missiles on residential neighborhoods or playgrounds. That’s why we must act now — to achieve peace, to strengthen Ukraine, and to increase pressure on Moscow,” Sybiha said.

At the same time, he emphasizes that Ukraine remains committed to peace efforts and has taken concrete steps in that direction, including an unconditional agreement to a full ceasefire. Russia, on the other hand, has rejected the offer and escalated its terror campaign against civilians.