The United States, on Monday, expressed concern over what it termed a “dangerous and unexplained escalation” in the Ukraine war, following new Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. This comes as negotiations led by the U.S. to find a resolution to the conflict are still ongoing.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Tammy Bruce, highlighted that Russia’s actions threaten to intensify the conflict even as diplomatic efforts continue with Ukraine and European allies. During an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council, she noted that Russia has been responsible for missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, including the firing of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile named Oreshnik aimed near NATO’s Polish border.
Bruce criticized these strikes, saying they undermine global peace efforts. “These attacks make a mockery of the cause of peace that matters most to the world,” she remarked.
In a related context, a Ukrainian energy executive suggested that only former President Trump could mediate peace, as bitter winter conditions threaten millions.
The UN’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Their December report indicated at least 2,514 civilian deaths and over 12,000 injuries in 2025—a significant increase compared to previous years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Russia had launched around 300 drones, 18 ballistic missiles, and seven cruise missiles aimed at various regions, including Dnipro, Zhytomyr, and Kharkiv. One missile struck a postal terminal in Kharkiv, resulting in four deaths.
Zelenskiy also mentioned that Kyiv is engaged in extensive discussions with its U.S. and European partners regarding security and reconstruction plans.
In response, Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, insisted that Russia remains open to negotiation but warned that military means would continue if Ukraine’s leadership does not come to the table with realistic proposals.
