Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for increased international pressure on Russia and additional air defence systems to protect civilians following a deadly Russian attack in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region that reportedly killed at least 31 people.
Sybiha made the remarks in a post on X, responding to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who condemned the attack on a school building being used to distribute humanitarian aid.
The Ukrainian foreign minister thanked Germany for its continued support, describing Berlin as one of Kyiv’s most important strategic partners since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Thank you, @AussenMinDe, for your clear words of support. Germany is a strategic partner of Ukraine and one of our strongest supporters since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion,” Sybiha wrote.
He stressed that strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and increasing pressure on Moscow remain urgent priorities as Russian attacks continue to claim civilian lives.
“Our priority now: more pressure on Russia and more air defense to protect civilians. Russia must face consequences for its continued terror,” he added.
Earlier, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed outrage over reports of the Russian strike in the Zaporizhzhia region, describing the incident as another atrocity against civilians.
“Horrendous news from Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region: 31 people killed in a Russian double tap attack on a school used to distribute desperately needed aid,” Wadephul wrote on X.
The attack reportedly targeted a school building in Komyshuvakha, where local residents had gathered to receive humanitarian assistance.
According to Ukrainian reports, Russian forces carried out a subsequent strike on the same location, a tactic commonly referred to as a “double-tap” attack, which can endanger survivors, emergency responders and rescue workers arriving after an initial strike.
The incident has prompted renewed calls from Ukrainian officials for stronger international action against Moscow, including tougher sanctions and accelerated deliveries of advanced air defence systems.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged its Western allies to provide additional air defence equipment to protect residential areas, critical infrastructure and civilian facilities from Russian missile and drone attacks.
Kyiv maintains that increased military assistance, sustained diplomatic pressure and accountability for alleged war crimes are essential to protecting civilians and deterring further Russian attacks.
