Ukrainian foreign minister calls for more pressure to be put on Russia

By Ayse Dogru

ANKARA (AA) - Ukraine’s foreign minister demanded more support Saturday so that his country can defend itself while calling for more pressure to be put on Russia.

Dmytro Kuleba said at a news conference that he had talks with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and discussed sanctions against Russia as well as possible steps to be taken in the future against Moscow.

He said Ukraine was wounded but did not fall and Ukrainian forces achieved success in the last 24 hours by repelling Russia on many fronts.

Russia has lost more than 10,000 troops, 39 planes, 40 helicopters, 269 tanks, 945 armored vehicles, 105 artillery guns and 19 anti-aircraft defense systems, he said.

Kuleba said he was pleased with the humanitarian aid to Ukraine, however, he noted that pressure on Russia should be increased while Ukraine's defense should be strengthened to allow it to get the victory.

He said his country has defended not only Ukraine but also Europe and the current world order.

Russia's war on Ukraine has led to international outrage, with the EU, US, UK and others implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow. The West is also supplying Kyiv with weapons and humanitarian aid.

At least 351 civilians have been killed and 707 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war on Feb. 24, according to UN figures.

More than 1.3 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the latest data by the UN Refugee Agency showed.