Russia’s overnight attack shows that Putin is “a war criminal and loser”, Ukraine minister says

Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine overnight, leaving at least twelve people dead, including a two-year-old, according to Ukrainian authorities, with hundreds injured.

The devastating raid prompted a fierce response from Ukraine’s top diplomat. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha did not hold back on June 2 when describing the leadership in Moscow.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“The only reason for Russia’s overnight horrific attack against Ukraine with 656 drones and 73 missiles that killed at least 12, including children, and injured hundreds of civilians is that Putin is a war criminal and loser who has no cards except terror.”

The minister insisted that the display of force was a sign of desperation because the Kremlin is failing on the front lines. “Moscow is losing on the battlefield. No number of missiles can change this,” he added.

Aricle continues below.

Is Moscow really losing on the battlefield?

It is difficult to assess exactly how the situation on the ground is in Ukraine, but varius analysis paint a picture of a struggling Russian campaign.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has updated its analysis of territorial gains in the war.

According to the think tank, Russian forces managed to gain roughly 40 km² from December through May 2026, but during the same time, the Russian’s lost control of 281 km2.

ISW notes that the massive Russian territorial loss can be attributed, at least in part, to changes in the methodology used by the think tank when making its calculations. However, the analysts make it clear that, when comparing the current progress of the Russian campaign with the same period in 2025, Putin’s war machine has slowed significantly.

The think tank also reports that other sources using different methodologies recorded a slowdown in the Russian advance during May 2026. Therefore, even if the exact territorial changes may not be perfectly accurate, the overall picture of a Russian army struggling to achieve meaningful advances is clear.

Time to act

Sybiha made it clear that Ukraine needs its global allies to step up with heavy weapons rather than just sympathy. “What we can change is Russia’s ability to continue terror. I urge partners to act, not only condemn. There are concrete steps that can be taken,” he said.

He urged Europe to fund a critical military program and buy advanced Patriot missile defenses. “First. Use the unblocked European Peace Fund to fund the PURL program and buy additional ‘Patriot’ systems and missiles for Ukraine. Advance the anti-ballistic coalition. Increase investment in Ukraine’s long-range capabilities,” Sybiha said.

He also demanded tougher sanctions and travel bans. “Second. Ramp up pressure on Russia through new sanctions, travel bans for combatants, the full use of frozen assets, and isolation,” he said, adding that true peace will only come when allies apply real pressure.

Sources: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry official statements, Institute for the Study of War

This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation