Sibiga urged the recognition of Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, during a speech at a meeting of the Helsinki Commission of the United States Congress, urged lawmakers to pass legislation recognizing Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide against the Ukrainian people. This was reported on Tuesday, November 19, by Radio Free Europe.     "There can be no alternative to justice. Russia must be held accountable for its acts of aggression against Ukraine and all the subsequent atrocities, including genocide. We call on the U.S. Congress to adopt legislation that recognizes Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide against the Ukrainian people," he stated.   The minister emphasized that there are sufficient legal grounds for such a decision, mentioning in particular the deportation of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children, the "propaganda of genocide" on Russian television, and killings with the "intent to destroy the national group of Ukrainians."   Sibiga added that millions of Ukrainians in occupied territories are subjected to torture, repression, and human rights violations. This includes the persecution of minorities, religious leaders, and communities.   "The largest Muslim community in Ukraine - the Crimean Tatars - has been deprived of their homes for the second time in a century. This people has no other homeland besides Crimea," Sibiga noted.   At the same time, the Foreign Minister rejected the idea of "land for peace," stating that such an exchange would leave millions of people under Russian occupation, where they would face torture and oppression.   Sibiga also highlighted the cooperation between Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which undermines the international order and destabilizes Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region.   "All three regimes violate human rights on an industrial scale. This is what they want to impose on the world. They pretend to be fighting against the U.S. and the West, while in reality, the only thing that unites them is lawlessness," the minister declared.    According to Sibiga, in this context, the United States "cannot afford to appear weak." Any display of weakness would be perceived by Russia and its allies as an invitation to directly harm American interests.   Earlier, the UN stated that as a result of Russian attacks in October of this year in Ukraine, at least 183 civilians were killed, including nine children. Another 903 people were injured. Approximately 45% of the deceased were over the age of 60.