Ukrainian Foreign Ministry: Russian strikes will face decisive response

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Wednesday for the international community to tighten economic restrictions on Moscow and double military and humanitarian aid to his country, following intensive missile and drone strikes targeting several cities that left civilian casualties and severe damage to residences and essential infrastructure. Sybiha explained in a ministerial statement that the strikes utilized a wide arsenal of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the capital Kyiv along with the regions of Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kremenchuk, and Pryluky, confirming civilian deaths resulting from the escalation. He emphasized that Moscow is failing to achieve its field objectives, noting the slowdown of Russian offensive operations alongside the Russian economy suffering contraction and declining international influence. The minister pointed out that Ukrainian society continues its resilience despite complications, highlighting the existential nature of the conflict for the state and nation. He renewed his call on allies to enact new sanctions targeting the military-industrial sector, particularly ballistic missile and space program factories, alongside bolstering air defense systems and securing energy sector requirements ahead of winter. He concluded by indicating the approaching commencement of operations for the special tribunal concerning crimes of aggression next year, stressing the inevitability of holding the Russian leadership accountable.