The United States has issued unusually strong criticism of Russia, urging it to refrain from carrying out what Moscow described as “systematic strikes” against Kyiv, as tensions intensified during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, Russia dismissed the appeal and reiterated warnings for foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital.
The session was convened at Ukraine’s request following a major wave of Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and surrounding areas over the weekend. The bombardment reportedly involved hundreds of aerial weapons, including the use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, marking at least the third known deployment of the system since November 2024.
General diplomatic observers note that the latest exchange highlights the growing volatility of the conflict, now in its fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The intensity of recent attacks has raised fresh concerns over civilian safety and the potential for further escalation.
At least two civilians were killed and around 100 others injured in the strikes, according to reports, with Moscow stating the attacks were in response to a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in the Donetsk region, an area partially controlled by Russian-backed forces.
U.S. deputy ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce condemned the use of the Oreshnik missile, describing it as a “dangerous and barbaric escalation” of the war. She warned Russia against launching further systematic attacks on Kyiv, saying such actions could increase civilian casualties and undermine any prospects for peace.
Her remarks were among the strongest statements from the Trump administration, which has generally been seen as taking a more restrained stance toward Moscow compared with several U.S. allies. However, she did not outline any specific consequences should Russia proceed with further large-scale strikes.
In response, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia defended Moscow’s actions, claiming the strikes targeted Ukrainian military and intelligence infrastructure. He also reiterated warnings of future attacks on what he called “decision-making centres” and command facilities in Kyiv.
Nebenzia further stated that due to the dispersal of such facilities within the city, foreign personnel, including diplomats and international organisation staff, had been advised to leave Kyiv as soon as possible.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari expressed deep concern over Russia’s declared intention to carry out sustained and systematic strikes, warning that such developments could further destabilise the already fragile security situation in the region.
