US envoy calls Russian strikes on Ukraine catastrophic as civilian deaths reach WWII scale

Kellogg said the attacks in the past week had been simply horrific. He noted that schools, hospitals, apartments, and other civilian infrastructure were targeted by Russian strikes, resulting in senseless killings of Ukrainian civilians, including women and children. He added that this must stop.

He further said he had not heard of such a scale of casualties and destruction since World War II.

Kellogg acknowledged that rebuilding Ukraine will be a massive task with implications for the entire European region. He also emphasized that Ukraine’s recovery goes beyond the physical restoration of damaged facilities.

According to Kellogg, the recovery process must include:

• Social reintegration of veterans;
• Return of abducted children;
• Demining efforts.

He stressed the importance of economic and political stability in Ukraine. Throughout his remarks, Kellogg repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine must maintain its full sovereignty, including during the postwar reconstruction period.

He also underlined that US efforts focus not on a temporary ceasefire but on a comprehensive and lasting peaceful settlement.

Referencing the post-World War II experience, Kellogg pointed to how devastated European countries were restored to fully functioning states.

He said the US could lead such efforts again — this time in Ukraine's case.

As an example of progress in the right direction, Kellogg mentioned the minerals deal between Ukraine and the US.

Earlier today, the US Special Envoy to Ukraine also referred to a Marshall Plan.

He said international partners must help Ukraine rebuild after the war by introducing a new Marshall Plan for the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this idea. For more details on the Ukrainian President's statements, read RBC-Ukraine's report.