Phone Call Between Lavrov and Rubio
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, informing him that Moscow has initiated systematic strikes on targets within Kyiv. The call came in the wake of a massive combined assault on the Ukrainian capital overnight on May 24, which caused extensive damage to museums, residential buildings, embassies, and media offices.
Lavrov stated that these 'systematic strikes on facilities located in Kyiv' are being carried out in support of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Meanwhile, acting U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Julie Davis visited the impact sites in Kyiv and called for an end to deliberate terror against civilians, declaring:
These targets are being used for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. — Julie Davis
Aftermath of the May 24 Attack
In the overnight attack on May 24, the residence of Albania's ambassador to Ukraine was hit, and severe damage was reported across multiple parts of Kyiv. More than 50 locations were affected, including:
- the Lukyanivka market
- the Zelenyi Ostriv-1 and Zelenyi Ostriv-2 residential complexes near the U.S. Embassy
- the building of Azerbaijan's embassy
- the National Art Museum
- the Chornobyl Museum
Reports also indicate that experimental ballistic missiles were used to strike Kyiv and the surrounding region. The assault, which engulfed the capital, has drawn international concern. Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán condemned the actions that led to the destruction in Ukraine. These latest events highlight an intensification of the conflict and its growing toll on civilians.
This situation underscores the escalation of violence in Ukraine and rising tensions between Russia and the United States, which could have serious consequences for international relations. The global community's response—particularly the condemnation of the attacks—reflects fears for civilian safety and Ukraine's integration into global politics. The next moves by both countries may shape the trajectory of the conflict and regional stability.
The recent attack on Kyiv has not only targeted civilian infrastructure but has also struck diplomatic missions, including the Azerbaijani embassy. This incident further exemplifies the escalating conflict and raises serious concerns regarding the safety of foreign diplomats amid the ongoing violence.