US declines to join UN statement condemning threats against Kyiv

The United States declined to join a United Nations statement initiated by Ukraine condemning Russia’s threat to carry out “systematic strikes” on Kyiv, according to AFP.

The document, which called for de-escalation, stated: “We call for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and also emphasise the urgent need to take concrete humanitarian measures.” It was endorsed by nearly 50 countries, including European nations, as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also voiced concern over the risk of further escalation. "Now ⁠more than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation of ​a conflict that has already ​exacted ⁠a devastating toll on civilians, and that risks making the search for peace even ⁠more ​distant, prolonging the suffering of ​people," Guterres added.

Tensions intensified after Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on May 25 that its forces could begin targeting defence enterprises, “decision-making centres,” and command posts in Kyiv. The warning was issued in response to a strike on a dormitory in the annexed Luhansk region, which Moscow said had “overflowed the cup of patience.” The ministry urged foreign nationals, including diplomats, to leave Kyiv “as soon as possible,” and advised residents to avoid areas near military and administrative infrastructure linked to the Zelensky government.

In subsequent diplomatic contacts, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that President Vladimir Putin had ordered regular strikes on Kyiv “in response to terrorist attacks” by Ukraine “against civilians and civilian infrastructure on Russian territory.”

However, Russia’s State Duma indicated that certain political institutions, including the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada, would not be targeted, arguing that they do not control the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The escalation followed a Ukrainian strike on a college training facility and dormitory in Starobilsk on the night of May 22, which left 21 people dead and 65 injured. Ukrainian officials stated that the site functioned as a headquarters for the “Rubikon” unit responsible for drone operations. President Vladimir Putin described the incident as a “terrorist act” and a “manifestation of neo-Nazism,” ordering the Defence Ministry to prepare a response.

Shortly afterwards, Russian forces launched an RS-26 Rubezh (“Oreshnik”) intermediate-range ballistic missile at the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region. Russian sources stated that the strike was not aimed at any “strategic or even symbolic object.”

By Tamilla Hasanova