Ukraine's Armed Forces to strike legitimate targets in Russia - Foreign Ministry

Ukraine will strike at all Russian military facilities - Sibiga

MFA stresses that in a state of war, Ukraine has the right to use force against legitimate military targets of the enemy.

Statement by the Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that Ukraine has the right to strike legitimate military targets in Russia and will do so in the interests of its own security and defence. Sibiga made this statement in his speeches and on the MFA's social media.

Legal framework and position of the MFA

The Ministry emphasises that such actions are in line with international law under the right to self-defence (Article 51 of the UN Charter), which refers to legitimate military objectives in an armed conflict between states. This was also reported in official comments by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and independent news outlets.

Context and arguments

Sibiga attributed this position to Russia's constant attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, civilian objects and systemic aggression, which threatens the country's further security. He also called on partners to accelerate and strengthen sanctions pressure on the Kremlin to deprive it of resources to continue the war.

Statements about strikes on military targets in the Russian Federation can provoke different reactions, ranging from support from partners to warnings about the risks of escalation. Ukrainian diplomacy emphasises that strikes should be targeted and aimed exclusively at military objectives, not civilians. Coordination with allies and legal legitimacy remain key to minimising risks.

What's next

Kyiv will continue to combine military self-defence with diplomatic efforts: calling for new sanctions, integrating air defence into a common European defence, and promoting measures that will make it more difficult for Russia to rebuild its military capabilities. The Minister also called on partners to act quickly to deprive the Kremlin of resources for escalation.

Sources.

• Official reports of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

• Publications and reactions in social media by the Foreign Minister.