FM Sybiha at EU Council: ballistic missile defense should become shared European priority
A joint European ballistic missile defense system should serve as the strategic response to Russian terror.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha during an online address at a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, according to Ukrinform.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy briefed his colleagues on the consequences of Russia’s massive strike on Ukraine last night, which killed at least four people and injured nearly 30 in Kyiv, and also damaged the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex, a sacred site for all of Christianity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sybiha added that the UN has identified May as the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians, with at least 270 people killed.
The foreign minister emphasized that anti-ballistic defense must become a common cause for all of Europe and called on partners to find every possible way to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with these capabilities.
“Strategically, we need a European anti-ballistic shield. This is about Europe’s security and its strategic autonomy,” the minister noted.
He thanked all allies who have already joined this initiative.
In the context of Putin’s statement during his conversation with President Trump about his alleged willingness to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow, the minister noted that this is yet another mockery of peace efforts. Moscow and Minsk are not acceptable venues for negotiations; at the same time, Ukraine is ready to consider any acceptable platforms.
“President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready for a meeting to achieve real progress. He is ready to take on this responsibility. United pressure on Russia is now needed to ensure such a meeting takes place," the foreign minister emphasized.
Sybiha also touched on the topic of Ukraine’s European integration and expressed gratitude to all 27 EU members and, in particular, the Cypriot presidency for their assistance in opening the first cluster. According to the minister, the best response to Russian terror will be Ukraine’s full membership, and the next immediate step in this context is the opening of all five remaining clusters.
As reported by Ukrinform, air defense forces have intercepted 50 missiles and 582 drones used by Russian invaders to attack Ukraine since the evening of June 14. The main target of the attack was Kyiv, resulting in casualties.
Ukrinform photos can be purchased here