The United States has condemned Russia for a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” in its nearly four-year war in Ukraine, as President Donald Trump pursues diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a peace deal. The warning came during an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, where U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce highlighted the risk of the conflict spreading further.
Bruce singled out Russia’s recent use of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile, which caused what she described as a “staggering number of casualties” in Ukraine. “At a moment of tremendous potential, due only to President Trump’s unparalleled commitment to peace around the world, both sides should be seeking ways to de-escalate,” she said.
Despite the warning, Russian forces launched fresh strikes on Tuesday morning against Kharkiv, Ukraine’s northeastern city, killing at least four people and injuring six. Missile attacks were also reported in Kyiv, though the full impact remained unclear. The strikes followed last Thursday’s large-scale Russian assault, which involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the Oreshnik—a weapon Russia has only used once before in combat. Analysts interpreted its deployment as a direct signal to Kyiv’s NATO allies.
Bruce reminded the Security Council that Russia had voted nearly a year ago in favor of a UN resolution calling for an end to hostilities in Ukraine, emphasizing that both sides and Europe must pursue peace seriously to bring the conflict to a close.
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Moscow acknowledged last week’s Oreshnik attack, claiming it targeted an aviation repair facility in Lviv in retaliation for what it alleged was a Ukrainian attempt to strike a residence of President Vladimir Putin—a claim Kyiv denied and the U.S. dismissed as false. The assault came amid reports that Ukraine and its Western partners were making progress on a security framework contingent on a U.S.-led peace initiative.
The latest attacks coincided with rising tensions between Washington and Moscow. The Kremlin condemned the U.S. seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, labeling it a violation of international law. Trump, meanwhile, has voiced support for a sanctions package aimed at crippling Russia’s economy. Despite these developments, Moscow has offered no sign of willingness to compromise on its demands, including international recognition of its annexation of Ukrainian territory.
During Monday’s UN session, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia blamed Kyiv for the impasse, warning that unless President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “comes to his senses and agrees to realistic conditions for negotiations, we will continue solving the problem by military means.” He added that delays in talks would only worsen conditions for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s ambassador, Andrii Melnyk, countered that Russia is weaker now than at any point since the February 2022 invasion, citing a slowing economy and declining oil revenues. “Russia wants to sell to this council and the whole UN family the impression that it is invincible, but this is another illusion,” Melnyk said. “The carefully staged image of strength is nothing but smoke and mirrors, completely detached from reality.”
Kharkiv officials confirmed casualties from Tuesday’s strikes. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported at least four deaths and six injuries, while Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a Russian long-range drone had hit a medical facility for children, igniting a fire. In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defences were activated after Russian missiles targeted the city.