Sibiga Called Lavrov's Call To Rubio Impertinent

• 26.05.2026, 20:09

Kiev is counting on a tough reaction from international partners.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks in a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about possible strikes on Kiev are an outright provocation and demonstrate Moscow's interest in continuing the war, according to "Interfax-Ukraine".

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga commented on Sergei Lavrov's words, which, according to him, referred to threats of attacks on Kiev during contacts with US representatives.

"I regard this as an audacious provocation. This is yet another public confirmation of Russia's interest in continuing the war. This is Lavrov allowing himself to publicly broadcast the course of a conversation where he confirms that he is threatening attacks on Kiev. It is very difficult for me to perceive how such a thing can be allowed," the minister stressed.

Sibiga said that the very fact of publicly voicing such threats shows disregard for international efforts to end the war.

The Ukrainian foreign minister said that Kiev expects a tougher response from international partners.

He emphasized that it is not enough to limit oneself to warnings or recommendations for diplomatic missions to leave Ukraine.

Sibiga said that clear signals are needed to Moscow demanding that it not strike the Ukrainian capital and civilian infrastructure.

Sibiga said that Russia must realize the consequences of its policy and actions in the context of the war against Ukraine.

"Russia must be stopped, and the only way to stop it is by force, additional sanctions, additional isolation, frozen assets. Something that is sensitive for them, for their economy, something that weakens them, something that prevents them from financing their military machine," the minister said.