Ukraine's foreign minister rails against Lavrov's "arrogance" in informing US of Russia's disregard for peace process in call with Rubio

May 26, 2026 - 11:09

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has described the fact that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Russia is planning further attacks on Kyiv as an "arrogant provocation" and proof that Russia intends to continue the war.

Source: Sybiha speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the "Ukraine-Africa: Past, Present and Future of Relations" forum on 26 May, as quoted by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "I view this as an arrogant provocation. It is yet another public confirmation of Russia's interest in continuing the war. Lavrov is taking the liberty of publicly disclosing the course of a conversation in which he confirms that he is threatening Kyiv with attacks. It is very difficult for me to comprehend how something like this can even be allowed.

We very much hope that after receiving such signals, our partners, rather than just accepting this information and advising their citizens and heads of diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv, will send a strong and robust message to Moscow not to carry out such strikes."

Details: Sybiha stressed that this conversation has once again demonstrated who is truly interested in prolonging the war and escalating the situation.

He added that he hopes for a robust reaction from Ukraine's partners and emphasised that "signals should not come from Moscow, but be directed to Moscow".

"What arrogance to directly inform the leading country, the most powerful country in the world, that you are disregarding its peace efforts, ignoring the entire peace process, and are going to strike Kyiv," the minister said.

Sybiha said Russia has to understand the repercussions of what he called its "irresponsible behaviour" regarding peace efforts.

He added that these are the messages Ukraine is conveying to its partners, and that the response should be to provide additional aid packages for Ukraine.

Background:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 25 May and "officially informed" the Americans that Russian forces are beginning "systematic strikes on facilities in Kyiv" that Russia claims are being used by the Ukrainian military.
On 25 May, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Russian forces are beginning "systematic continuous strikes" against Ukrainian defence industry companies and "decision-making centres" in Kyiv. Moscow also urged foreign nationals, including diplomatic staff and employees of international organisations, to "leave Kyiv as soon as possible".
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said Russia's threats of further strikes on Kyiv are aimed at intimidating Western diplomats, but stressed that Ukraine does not expect this blackmail to succeed.