Kyiv says security in Europe, Indo-Pacific directly linked after Russia’s ‘expansion’ of Ukraine war

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Tuesday that security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are now directly linked after Russia's "expansion" of the war against Ukraine.

“Due to Russia's expansion of the war against Ukraine, security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region are now directly linked,” Sybiha was quoted by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in a statement at a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Italy.

Russia’s actions in Ukraine pose a "global threat," he said, and require a decisive global response, primarily through a significant increase in support for Kyiv.

The statement said Sybiha drew attention to Moscow’s recent steps, which he claimed are to expand the war in Ukraine, including the alleged deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, airstrikes on Ukrainian nuclear energy facilities and recent use of a medium-range ballistic missile.

It noted that the Ukrainian foreign minister urged the G7 to make large-scale investments in his country’s defense-industrial complex.

“He emphasized that this is the most effective way to quickly strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, stimulate our economy, and develop technologies,” it said.

The statement said Sybiha encouraged Ukraine’s allies to not give in to “Russian blackmail” and to take steps to further strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, including through further sanctions against Moscow.

“Supporting Ukraine is not charity, but the best investment in the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic community and the world. With timely and sufficient support, we are able to overcome aggression and achieve a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace based on the Peace Formula,” he added.

Sybiha arrived Monday in Italy for a two-day visit to attend the G7 meeting, on the sidelines of which he also held talks with multiple European and Asian counterparts.