Russia dismissed American warnings Thursday and restated its intention to carry out systematic attacks on Kyiv, despite harsh condemnation from the United States during a United Nations Security Council meeting.
The diplomatic confrontation occurred during a session that Ukraine requested following Moscow’s weekend assault involving hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv and surrounding regions.
The weekend attack featured deployment of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, marking at least the third instance Russia has used this weapon against Ukraine since November 2024.
Deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Tammy Bruce denounced Sunday’s assault and described Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik as “an inexplicable, dangerous and barbaric escalation” of the conflict that began with Russia’s comprehensive invasion in February 2022.
“We caution Russia not to mount so-called systematic strikes against Kyiv, which risk further civilian casualties and setting back the prospect of peace,” Bruce stated.
The weekend bombardment resulted in at least two civilian deaths and approximately 100 injuries, according to reports. Moscow claimed the attack was retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in Donetsk, the eastern region seized by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.
Bruce’s remarks represented some of the strongest condemnation of Russia from the Trump administration, which has typically adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Russia compared to most U.S. allies.
The deputy ambassador did not specify potential U.S. responses should Moscow proceed with its threatened “systemic strikes.”
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia repeated Moscow’s claim that Sunday’s bombardment focused on crucial Ukrainian military and intelligence installations and renewed Russia’s commitment to strike “decision-making centers and command posts.”
“Since the above facilities are dispersed throughout Kyiv, we warned foreign citizens, including the staff of diplomatic missions and offices of international organizations, about the need to leave the city as soon as possible,” he stated.
U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari expressed that the United Nations was “deeply concerned” about Russia’s promised “consistent and systemic strikes” against targets in Kyiv.
