Putin deliberately launched a massive strike on Kiev immediately after talking to Trump - Foreign Ministry

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga has commented on Russia's massive overnight attack on Kiev, stressing that Moscow's actions were a deliberate provocation. According to him, the strikes on the capital began shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin's conversation with Donald Trump and show a complete disregard for international law and diplomatic efforts.

"Absolutely terrible and sleepless night in Kiev. One of the worst ever. Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital. Right after Putin spoke to President Trump. And he's doing it deliberately. No more waiting! Putin clearly demonstrates his total disregard for the United States and all those who called for an end to the war," Sibiga wrote in the social network X (formerly Twitter).

The minister also stressed that Ukraine should get all the necessary means for self-defence as soon as possible. He called on Western partners to tighten sanctions against Russia and warned that slowness and indecision only encourage the aggressor.

"Wrong decisions can only encourage the aggressor to escalate terror. All the criminal regimes of the world are now closely watching Putin's actions and reactions to them. If he gets away with this, everyone will get a very clear message. Stop waiting for peace. Act to achieve peace. Peace through strength," the foreign policy chief added.

Consequences of the attack

On the night of 4 July, Russian forces launched a massive strike on Kiev using kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles. The attack caused fires and destruction in a number of districts of the capital. Residential buildings, schools, hospitals and infrastructure facilities were damaged. A five-storey building was partially destroyed in Solomenskyi district, a fire broke out in a 14-storey building in Svyatoshynskyi district, and an uninhabited eight-storey building was damaged in Shevchenkivskyi district.

According to Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the number of people injured in the capital has risen to 23. Fourteen of them were hospitalised. Among the injured is a 10-year-old girl.

The strikes also hit the Fastivskyi district of Kiev Region, where significant damage was recorded in the residential and industrial sectors.