Why Putin struck Ukraine now: Sybiha gives clear explanation

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Russia’s combined overnight strike on Ukraine’s energy facilities and residential buildings as proof that the Kremlin ignores any agreements. He urged international partners to strengthen sanctions and bolster Ukraine’s air defense.

Sybiha made the statement in a post on his X account.

He reported that during the night of February 3, Russia launched 450 drones, more than 60 cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, primarily targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, while residential buildings were also hit.

“Putin waited for the temperatures to drop and stockpiled drones and missiles to continue his genocidal attacks against the Ukrainian people. Neither anticipated diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi this week nor his promises to the United States kept him from continuing terror against ordinary people in the harshest winter. We are dealing with terrorists who must be forced to stop violence,” the foreign minister said.

Sybiha stressed that Ukraine’s partners have the tools to exert pressure and must use them.

“Strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and energy resilience. Increase pressure on Moscow. Deprive the Russian war machine of energy revenues and access to technology. Isolate the Russian regime. Stop and confiscate Russia’s illegal oil tankers,” he urged.

“Putin must be deprived of illusions that he can achieve anything by his bombing, terror, and aggression,” Sybiha added.