Lavrov Informs Rubio: Russian Forces Begin Systematic Strikes on Ukrainian Targets in Kyiv
On May 25, local time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, informing the United States about the start of systematic strikes by Russian forces against Ukrainian military targets in Kyiv.
The official statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry website stated: "In accordance with instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sergey Lavrov formally informed the U.S. side that, in response to the ongoing terrorist attacks launched by the Kyiv regime against civilians and civilian infrastructure within Russia, the Russian Armed Forces have begun systematic and continuous strikes on targets in Kyiv used to support Ukrainian military needs and related decision-making centers."
Lavrov also urged Rubio to take note of recommendations regarding the evacuation of diplomatic personnel from Kyiv.
The statement said: "Lavrov drew attention to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement issued on May 25, which recommends that the United States and other countries maintaining representative offices in Kyiv ensure the evacuation of their diplomatic personnel and other citizens from Ukraine's capital."
On May 22, the Head of the Luhansk People’s Republic, Pasechnik, reported that Ukrainian drones had attacked the teaching buildings and dormitories of the Starybyrske Vocational School at the Lugansk National University. According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, four fixed-wing drones were used in a nighttime assault. At the time of the attack, there were 86 students and one staff member inside the dormitory building. The strike resulted in 21 deaths.
On May 24, over 50 foreign journalists from countries including China arrived at the site of the tragedy in Starybyrske. However, the BBC officially declined to visit the scene of the Ukrainian military attack, while CNN reporters cited vacation leave as a reason for not attending.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Lavrov also reminded Rubio of the high-level agreement reached between Russia and the U.S. in Anchorage regarding the Ukraine conflict.
The statement said: "The Foreign Minister recalled the high-level agreement on the Ukraine conflict, reached in Anchorage in August 2025 following a U.S. proposal, and expressed regret over the brazen efforts by European elites and the Kyiv regime to undermine these agreements—efforts that were aimed at paving the way for a sustainable, long-term resolution based on balance of interests."
During his call with Rubio, Lavrov expressed regret over the Kyiv regime and European elites’ attempts to disrupt the agreement reached between Russia and the U.S. during the Anchorage summit.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed their mutual willingness to strengthen efforts to normalize working conditions for diplomatic missions of both countries stationed in each other’s nations.
The official statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry website stated: "Despite known differences, Sergey Lavrov and Marco Rubio confirmed their shared commitment to intensify efforts to normalize the working conditions for Russian and U.S. diplomatic missions operating in each other’s countries."
In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that both sides exchanged assessments on diplomatic initiatives aimed at overcoming the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the situation around Cuba.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866186496623628/
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