The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed a significant escalation in military operations targeting Kyiv, following a phone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to reports from RBC on May 25, Lavrov informed Rubio of Russia’s plans to conduct systematic strikes on facilities in the Ukrainian capital.

Moscow claims these targeted locations are being utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, justifying the increased aerial operations as a response to a Ukrainian strike in Starobilske, Luhansk, on May 22. However, the Ukrainian General Staff has dismissed these allegations as misinformation, asserting that their operations strictly adhere to international humanitarian law. They confirmed targeting a Russian military command post rather than civilian areas.

In light of these developments, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged Western allies to respond decisively to Russia’s intimidation tactics. He called for enhanced military aid and tougher sanctions, emphasizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot achieve his objectives through military aggression. Sybiha highlighted the economic strain on Russia due to Ukraine’s long-range strikes on Russian industries.

On May 24, Russia launched an “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile at Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region, as part of a larger offensive involving 90 missiles and 600 drones, primarily targeting Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the overnight bombardment resulted in at least 83 injuries and multiple fatalities. The attacks severely damaged civilian infrastructure, including a water supply facility, a marketplace, residential buildings, and schools.

Military records indicate that 690 aerial targets were involved, with 36 ballistic missiles deployed, creating a high-intensity combat environment. Local defense systems were put to the test, with damage reported at over 40 sites throughout the region.

On May 25, Sybiha led diplomats from over 70 countries to the sites of recent strikes in Kyiv, urging the international community to increase pressure on Moscow. The diplomats paid tribute to the victims and laid flowers at the impact sites, including the heavily affected Shevchenkivskyi district. Following discussions with President Zelenskyy, Sybiha called for accelerated military aid and air defense support, stressing the importance of a unified stance and reaffirming Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

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