Sibiha: Russia tries to defeat Ukraine by destroying energy systems

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha expressed concern over new Russian attacks on energy sector facilities. In a post on the social media platform X, he emphasised that the aggressor is attempting to compensate for failures on the battlefield by creating catastrophic conditions for the civilian population.

Strikes on energy facilities

The head of the Foreign Ministry noted that overnight, Russia again launched ballistic missiles and drones, deliberately targeting the country's critically important energy infrastructure.

«Жорстокість Росії не знає меж. Вночі Росія вкотре запустила балістичні ракети та безпілотники проти України, націлившись на критично важливу енергетичну інфраструктуру» (The cruelty of Russia knows no bounds. Overnight, Russia once again launched ballistic missiles and drones against Ukraine, targeting critically important energy infrastructure), he wrote.

Attempt to achieve military goals through civilian means

According to Sibiha, Moscow deliberately seeks to leave millions of Ukrainians without electricity, heating and water on the eve of winter. The minister characterised these actions as a calculated campaign.

«Росія намагається досягти за допомогою холоду та темряви того, чого не може досягти на полі бою. Це продумана кампанія, спрямована на те, щоб зробити життя цивільного населення України нестерпним – і це є прямим визначенням геноциду» (Russia is trying to achieve through cold and darkness what it cannot achieve on the battlefield. This is a calculated campaign aimed at making the life of Ukraine's civilian population unbearable – and this is a direct definition of genocide), Sibiha stressed.

Call to strengthen air defence

Andrii Sibiha reminded that Ukraine, together with international partners, has the necessary tools to stop Russian terror, but this requires additional strengthening of air defence.

«Зараз Україні потрібні додаткові системи протиповітряної оборони, більше перехоплювачів та політична воля, щоб без затримок доставити їх» (Ukraine now needs additional air defence systems, more interceptors and the political will to deliver them without delay), the head of the Foreign Ministry added, calling on partners to act immediately.