Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Yermak sharply criticized the recent massive wave of missile and drone attacks by Russia on Ukrainian territory, which occurred on the night of June 17
Commenting on this aggression, the diplomat emphasized that the Kremlin deliberately conducts these strikes precisely during the G7 summit — one of the most important international forums where the leaders of the world's leading countries gather to discuss global issues. According to Yermak, such a decision is a conscious and purposeful act by Moscow aimed at demonstrating a cynical disregard for international efforts and calls to cease the war. “Russia is doing this intentionally, specifically during the G7 summit, to showcase its strength and show defiance of international norms and demands. It sends a signal of complete contempt for the USA, Europe, and other partners who are urging an end to the killings and the start of diplomatic dialogue,” Yermak stated. He emphasized that this is not the first time Moscow has deliberately chosen a time for attacks to demonstrate its resilience while ignoring international calls for peace. The head of Ukraine’s foreign policy agency added that Russia not only refuses to make any efforts to reach a ceasefire or to restore negotiations between the conflicting sides. On the contrary, the Kremlin cynically strikes civilian infrastructure and residential buildings in Ukraine, simulating searches for diplomatic solutions to the crisis. According to Yermak, this constitutes an open challenge to the international community and to those countries that seek to promote peace and stability in the region. Ukrainian services report that the night attack was extensive in scope. Russian forces launched dozens of drones and missiles of various types, targeting civilian objects across Ukraine. Kyiv was the hardest hit — the city experienced powerful explosions that caused significant infrastructure damage. Preliminary reports indicate that over 40 people were wounded in the capital, with the death toll rising to 14. Initial news suggested that a Russian ballistic missile destroyed a nine-story residential building, resulting in the complete destruction of one entrance, while dozens of residents are trapped under the rubble. Mykhailo Klymenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, reported that the target of the Russian missiles was a residential high-rise in central Kyiv. According to him, the attack demonstrated Moscow’s clear intent not only to cause large-scale destruction but also to intimidate the population by destroying peaceful life and leaving Ukrainians in a state of fear and insecurity. The official stated that despite expectations from the international community and calls for peace, Russia systematically and cynically ignores all diplomatic efforts and continues its war in a ruthless manner. This night attack serves as yet another reminder of the complexity and brutality of the situation in Ukraine. It once again underscores Russia’s consistent strategy — demonstrating its rejection of any peaceful initiatives and directly playing on chaos and fear in the hearts of Ukrainians. While the world calls for dialogue and seeks a path to a just peace, the Kremlin continues its intimidation and terrorist tactics, trying to maintain influence in the region and demonstrating its independence from international values and rules.