Russia has rejected an appeal from the United States to avoid launching a new wave of planned strikes on Kyiv, raising concerns about a possible escalation of the war in Ukraine. The dispute unfolded during a United Nations Security Council meeting requested by Ukraine following a major Russian bombardment of the capital and surrounding areas.
According to Reuters, the United States issued unusually strong criticism of Moscow after Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles toward Kyiv and nearby locations on Sunday. The attack included the use of an Oreshnik intermediate range ballistic missile, a weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
Tammy Bruce, the deputy United States ambassador to the United Nations, criticized Russia’s use of the missile and warned Moscow against carrying out additional strikes on the Ukrainian capital. She said further attacks could increase the number of civilian casualties and weaken efforts to move toward peace.
At least two civilians were killed and approximately 100 people were injured during the bombardment. Russia said the attack was carried out in response to a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in Donetsk, a region partially controlled by Russian backed forces since 2014.
Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia rejected the American appeal and said Moscow intended to continue targeting what it described as Ukrainian military and intelligence facilities. According to Reuters, Nebenzia also repeated a warning for foreign citizens, diplomats and international organization staff to leave Kyiv.
Russia said its planned attacks would focus on command posts and decision making centres located throughout the capital. Ukrainian officials and international observers remain concerned that additional strikes could place civilians and critical infrastructure at risk.
The United Nations also expressed concern over the potential escalation. UN Assistant Secretary General Khaled Khiari said the organization was closely monitoring Russia’s statements regarding systematic strikes on Kyiv.
The latest developments come as the war continues more than four years after Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The United States has not announced how it would respond if Russia proceeds with the planned attacks.
