UN chief expresses concern over Russian plans to attack Kiev

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday (26) that he is "deeply concerned" by Russia's announcement that it plans to launch attacks on Ukrainian defense companies and decision-making centers in Kiev.

Guterres spoke to the United Nations Security Council after the Russian government said it intended to carry out the attacks.

Over the weekend, Russia launched one of the heaviest bombings against the Ukrainian capital since the start of the war. The offensive with hundreds of drones and missiles included the firing of the Oreshnik ballistic missile.

The escalation is in retaliation for the drone attack that hit a university building and a student dormitory in the Ukrainian city of Starobilsk, currently controlled by Russia.

"We condemn the attack on the school - as we condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur," declared Guterres.

"Now, more than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation of a conflict that has already had a devastating impact on civilians and which risks making the search for peace even more distant, prolonging people's suffering," he added.

What is Oreshnik, a hypersonic missile used in a major attack against Kiev?

Source: CNN