Photo: EPA
The United States has warned Russia against carrying out what Moscow described as “systematic strikes” on Kyiv and accused the Kremlin of disregarding international guarantees protecting diplomatic missions.
Speaking during a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday, May 28, US Deputy Representative to the United Nations Tammy Bruce described Russia’s recent large-scale attacks on Kyiv as an “unjustifiable, dangerous, and barbaric escalation” and called for de-escalation and negotiations.
“The recent massive Russian strikes on Kyiv over the weekend, including the use of Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missiles, represent an unjustifiable, dangerous, and barbaric escalation,” Bruce said.
“They are yet another example of why the war between Russia and Ukraine must end immediately and permanently,” she added.
Bruce noted that civilians were once again killed and more than 100 people injured during the attacks. Museums, public transport infrastructure, and residential buildings were reportedly damaged or destroyed.
She described deliberate attacks against civilians as “abhorrent and unacceptable” and expressed condolences to all victims on behalf of the United States.
The US diplomat also warned Moscow against further threats of “systematic strikes” on Kyiv.
“We warn Russia against carrying out so-called systematic strikes on Kyiv, which risk causing additional civilian casualties and undermining the prospects for peace,” Bruce said.
She added that Washington was “seriously concerned” about what it called Russia’s apparent disregard for international legal protections for diplomatic facilities and personnel.
“We clearly remind Russia of its legal obligations. Diplomacy and negotiations are the only path toward lasting peace. Threats and inflammatory rhetoric are clearly not part of that path,” she stressed.
Bruce reiterated that the war can only be resolved through negotiations and repeated the US call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire as a first step toward a sustainable peace agreement.
“The alternative is an escalation of violence that could spiral out of control. That is unacceptable. The war must end,” she said.
She also echoed recent remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated earlier this week that Washington is prepared to play a constructive role once both sides demonstrate genuine readiness for talks.
“We are prepared to do everything possible to stop the death and destruction,” Bruce added.
The statements came after Russia launched one of its largest air attacks on Kyiv on May 24. The following day, Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged foreign nationals, including diplomatic staff and international organizations, to leave the Ukrainian capital “as soon as possible,” warning of future strikes on what it called “decision-making centers” in Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also reportedly told Rubio that Moscow would begin “systematic and consistent strikes” on Kyiv.
On May 26, nearly 50 countries issued a joint statement at the UN condemning Russian threats against diplomatic missions in Ukraine. The statement was signed by European countries, Japan, South Korea, and others, though the United States was not among the signatories.
