US urges 'both sides' to de-escalate after Russian strikes on Kyiv
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker (Getty Images)
The United States responded to Russian strikes on Ukraine, while calling on 'both sides' to de-escalate, said US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, according to Radio Svoboda.
According to him, the United States expects that "Ukraine and Russia will engage in dialogue aimed at ending the war." He noted that "there is no military solution to the Russia–Ukraine war, and a diplomatic resolution is necessary."
"I want to join many voices around the world in condemning the attacks on civilians in Ukraine, and I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims — including an American citizen who was killed in one of the recent strikes," the diplomat said.
Whitaker recalled President Trump's disappointment over the loss of life occurring during negotiations and called on "both sides" to de-escalate.
"We urge restraint and strongly call on both sides to avoid escalation. We are cooperating at the highest level and support direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine," Whitaker said.
At the same time, he did not directly answer the question of whether he believes Russia is negotiating in good faith. He emphasized that "constructive and good-faith dialogue is the only path to ending this war."
"We expect both Russia and Ukraine to come to the negotiating table with clear terms and a willingness to compromise," Whitaker added.
Attack on Kyiv and surrounding region
During the night of Monday, June 23, Russian forces once again launched a combined attack on Ukraine. Kyiv and the surrounding region were hit the hardest. The enemy used attack drones and ballistic missiles.
In the capital, residential buildings, office centers, and infrastructure sites were damaged. Fires broke out in several districts.
According to the latest data, at least nine people were killed and over 30 injured, including children and a pregnant woman.
According to Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, Russia struck a residential building in Kyiv with a missile equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The missile penetrated all the way to the basement, causing severe destruction.
For more details on the aftermath, see the full report on RBC-Ukraine.
