US To UN DK: Russian Attack On Ukraine Raises Doubts Intention To End War

JAKARTA - Deadly missile and drone attacks in Ukraine raise doubts over Russia's seriousness in Russia's desire for peace.

This was conveyed by the United States to the UN Security Council, warning Washington could punish Moscow with economic measures if it continued the war.

"The United States calls on the Russian Federation to avoid this consequence by stopping violence and engaging constructively to end the war," US diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council.

"Russia must decide now to move towards peace. The leaders of Russia and Ukraine must agree to meet bilaterally," he said.

Russia attacked Ukraine with a deadly missile and drone strike on Thursday morning in a massive attack.

The attack on Kyiv raises doubts over Russia's seriousness in Russia's desire for peace. Attacks on these civilian territories must be stopped immediately," Kelley said.

Diplomatic efforts to end Russia's full-scale invasion have so far been carried out, even after US President Donald Trump met separately with Russian and Ukrainian leaders earlier this month.

"Russia continues to choose to kill rather than end the war," Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko told the Security Council.

"We must consider this in our efforts aimed at peaceful resolutions and the establishment of reliable security guarantees. This guarantee will protect Ukraine's sovereignty and the lives of the Ukrainian people, especially children," he said.

"Our people should feel safe today. That is why the ceasefire remains an important prerequisite for the success of future negotiations," said Yulia.

Meanwhile, Russia's Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, said Moscow was ready to consider a summit with Ukraine on the condition that there were thorough preparations for such gatherings and their substantive content.

Otherwise, the meeting would mean nothing.

He said the United States increasingly understands the need to address the root causes of the conflict without which it is impossible to resolve.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, calling it a "special military operation" designed for "denazification" of neighboring countries and halting a dangerous NATO expansion to the east.