Russia has indicated it is planning a series of coordinated attacks on Kyiv and has advised foreign embassies to evacuate. Marco Rubio has expressed concerns about a potential escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
While on Air Force Three during a trip to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared insights from a phone call with Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov reportedly conveyed Moscow’s dissatisfaction regarding European involvement in the war and suggested that American personnel should leave the city.
“In retaliation for ongoing assaults by the Kyiv regime on Russian civilians and infrastructure, the armed forces of the Russian Federation are set to launch a systematic and consistent offensive against military targets in Kyiv and other decision-making centers,” Lavrov informed Rubio during the conversation, according to a Kremlin summary.
Both nations have long exchanged accusations regarding attacks on non-combatants and infrastructures, each maintaining that their strikes target legitimate military sites. Recently, Ukraine has effectively attacked Russian oil depots, which is a critical supply line for Russian military operations. Drone strikes in Kyiv have also led to disruptions in water and electricity services in Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine.
The Kremlin announced that it had reached out to the United States to facilitate the evacuation of diplomats and other nationals from Kyiv, preparing for a retaliatory strike against the Ukrainian government in the central part of the city.
Rubio, while discussing his exchange with Lavrov, downplayed the alerts, mentioning that Kyiv has always been hazardous. He issued a cautionary note to Russia, stating:
Well, they sent a notice to all the embassies, and I think he just personally called me that they told all the embassies that Kyiv was going to be a very dangerous place. However, Kyiv has been a very dangerous place for many years.
The ongoing wars carry the risk of spiraling into larger conflicts… These situations escalate, one major strike leads to an even more significant counterattack. Each time there’s a substantial act from either side, it underscores the gravity of this long-standing war—and it really needs to conclude.
Rubio asserted that the conflict must end, affirming the United States’ willingness to serve as a mediator, expressing readiness to contribute positively in any capacity.
While he offered no additional details, the Kremlin’s summary indicated that Lavrov also voiced complaints about European involvement in the conflict during their discussion.
This complaint has been a persistent theme for Russia, aiming to position the war as a direct issue between Moscow and Kyiv while isolating Ukraine from its allies. They argue that European nations exacerbate the situation with their support for Ukraine, framing it as an effort to undermine peace.
Rubio and Lavrov also touched on topics related to Cuba and Iran, as noted by the Kremlin.
Rubio’s nonchalant response to concerns about the safety of American diplomats in Kyiv was captured by news cameras, indicating the U.S. has no intention of heeding Russia’s evacuation suggestions.
Other nations seem to echo the U.S. stance. Katarina Maternova, the EU’s ambassador to Ukraine, stated that her mission is committed to maintaining its presence: “Russia seeks to instill fear and isolation in Ukraine. That strategy will fail. The EU intends to stay in Kyiv. We will remain in Ukraine.”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the diplomatic missions of various countries for their confidence in Ukraine’s stability, emphasizing their rejection of Russian intimidation. “In light of this, Russia’s latest threats are merely shameful attempts at intimidation. The Russian government has essentially acknowledged that the shelling was meant to intimidate diplomatic missions. This admission will be significant in international legal proceedings against the aggressor state,” they noted in a statement.
