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THE United States has accused Russia of a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” in its nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine, following Moscow’s overnight attack with hundreds of drones and missiles, including the new hypersonic Oreshnik, near NATO member Poland.
AP cited U.S. deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Tammy Bruce, describing the strike as a stark warning to Kyiv’s allies, and condemned the mounting attacks on civilian energy and infrastructure.
Speaking at an emergency Security Council meeting convened by Ukraine, Bruce emphasised that the U.S. deplores “the staggering number of casualties” and urged Moscow to de-escalate at a moment of “tremendous potential, due only to President Trump’s unparalleled commitment to peace around the world.”
She added, “Yet Russia’s action risks expanding and intensifying the war.”
The bombardment coincided with a period of cautious optimism, as Ukraine and its allies reportedly made progress on negotiating how to defend the country should a U.S.-led peace plan proceed.
The escalation also follows heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington, after Russia condemned the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker in the North Atlantic, and comes as President Trump signalled support for a sanctions package designed to cripple Russia economically.
Bruce reminded the council that Russia had voted in favour of a Security Council resolution calling for an end to the conflict nearly a year ago.
“It would be nice if Russia matched their words with deeds,” she said. “In the spirit of that resolution, Russia, Ukraine and Europe must pursue peace seriously and bring this nightmare to an end.”
Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, countered sharply, asserting that Kyiv must accept “realistic conditions for negotiations,” warning, “Until Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comes to his senses … we will continue solving the problem by military means.” He added, “Each vile attack on Russian civilians will elicit a stiff response.”
Ukraine’s ambassador, Andriy Melnyk, dismissed Russia’s threats, arguing that Moscow is weaker than at any point since February 2022.
“Russia wants to sell to this council and the whole U.N. family the impression that it is invincible, but this is another illusion,” he said. “The carefully staged image of strength is nothing but smoke and mirrors, completely detached from reality.”
The Security Council debate underscores the high stakes of the conflict, with nuclear-capable missiles, civilian casualties, and geopolitical tensions intensifying as U.S.-led peace efforts hang in the balance. - January 13, 2026