The U.S. did not support the UN statement condemning Russia's threats against Kyiv
The United States declined to condemn Russia for its threats to launch “systemic strikes” against Kyiv and did not join the joint statement at the UN. Despite this, most international partners have taken a firm and unified stance in the wake of Moscow’s new attacks and statements.
This was reported by france24.com.
Several dozen countries at the UN meeting condemned Moscow’s statements regarding possible strikes on diplomatic facilities in Kyiv. This refers to Russia’s warnings of “systematic attacks” on the Ukrainian capital, as well as calls for the evacuation of foreign missions.
The joint statement was delivered by Ukraine’s representative to the UN, Andriy Melnyk. It was supported by European countries, as well as Japan, South Korea, and other nations. The United States was not among the signatories.
“We also condemn Russia’s recent threats against diplomatic missions and embassies in Kyiv. This is something we cannot accept,” said Andriy Melnyk.
The day before, Kyiv came under a massive attack from Russia. According to reports, dozens of drones and missiles were used. At least four people were killed in the shelling, and the city’s infrastructure suffered significant damage.
UN reaction and concern over escalation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed serious concern over the further escalation of the situation and Russia’s statements regarding new strikes on Kyiv.
“I am deeply concerned by the Russian Federation’s recent announcement of its intention to carry out sustained and systematic strikes against Ukrainian defense facilities in Kyiv, as well as decision-making centers and command posts, following reports of a Ukrainian drone attack on a college building and dormitory in the city of Starobilsk, which is currently under the control of the Russian Federation,” said António Guterres.
“Now more than ever, it is essential to avoid any escalation of the conflict, which has already had devastating consequences for the civilian population and which could further distance the prospect of peace,” – António Guterres.
According to the Russian side, the recent attacks involved, in particular, “Oreshnik” hypersonic missiles, capable of reaching speeds ten times the speed of sound and potentially carrying nuclear warheads.
Background to the strikes
The new shelling was a continuation of mutual accusations between the parties. Moscow claimed that Ukraine allegedly struck a vocational school in the occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast, killing 21 people.
Following this, Vladimir Putin ordered the military to take appropriate retaliatory measures. Against this backdrop, the international community is calling for restraint and emphasizing the need to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
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