The United States “will not tolerate insincere negotiations or breaches of commitments” as it aims to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine, stated acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea during a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.
Shea emphasized to the 15-member council that “we will ultimately assess President (Vladimir) Putin’s dedication to a ceasefire based on Russia’s actions.”
This Security Council session followed a recent Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in the deaths of 11 adults and nine children, marking one of the most lethal attacks on civilians in recent months and complicating Washington’s efforts for a ceasefire.
“We call on the Russian Federation to recognize that attacks like the one on Kryvyi Rih, along with the execution of prisoners of war, could undermine peace initiatives and all related discussions,” Shea remarked.
Russia claimed, without providing evidence, that the strike on Friday targeted a gathering of Ukrainian military personnel and foreign trainers, alleging that it resulted in the deaths of up to 85 individuals, a statement that Kyiv has dismissed as disinformation.
On Tuesday, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia attributed the civilian casualties to a Ukrainian effort to intercept the Russian assault.
He also reminded the Security Council that one of Moscow’s long-standing objectives is the demilitarization of Ukraine, which it intends to achieve “through military or diplomatic means to ensure that Ukraine no longer poses a threat to Russia.”
“We are prepared for serious and constructive dialogue, but we will not permit anyone to mislead us. We will not allow anyone to exploit this negotiation process to enhance the military capabilities of the Kyiv regime,” Nebenzia asserted.
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Ukraine’s deputy U.N. Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn pointed out that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
“In response to this proposal, Russia has been targeting Ukrainian cities and villages with drones, bombs, artillery, and ballistic and cruise missile strikes,” she informed the council. “Russia shows a complete disregard for international peace efforts spearheaded by the United States.”
