Escalating Conflict: US and UK Condemn Russia's Nuclear Threats Amid Continued Attacks on Ukraine

The United States and Britain have strongly condemned Russia following the launch of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile on Ukraine. During an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce labeled the strike on Lviv as a "dangerous and inexplicable escalation," while Britain’s acting UN ambassador James Kariuki characterized the attack as reckless, highlighting the peril it poses to regional and international security and the significant risks of potential escalation and miscalculation. Russia has asserted that the Oreshnik missile targeted an aviation repair factory, but Ukraine has not confirmed this claim. Instead, Ukraine reported that the missile was part of a broader assault involving drones and other rocket attacks. The Oreshnik missile, which has rarely been deployed, is believed to be in limited supply. Ukrainian military sources claim to have destroyed at least one Oreshnik missile on the ground in Russia. Observers have assessed the two Oreshnik strikes noted so far in Ukraine as largely driven by political motives and symbolic in nature, speculating that dummy warheads may have been used, with any destruction resulting more from sonic booms and physical impacts than from the actual explosives. Analysts remain skeptical about the missile's accuracy for delivering non-nuclear munitions, which require precise targeting to be effective compared to their nuclear counterparts. On the ground, Russian forces launched attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv early Tuesday, resulting in at least two fatalities in Kharkiv and injuries to three others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The recent strikes come in the aftermath of the funeral of medic Sergiy Smolyak, aged 56, who was killed in a drone attack on Friday while attempting to rescue residents from a targeted housing block. His colleague, nurse Ryta Dorosh, reflected on his character, saying, "He was very kind, always calm and even-tempered. He saved so many people." Furthermore, reports indicate that Russia has bombed two civilian ships transporting food products in the Black Sea. A Panamanian-flagged tanker, waiting to load vegetable oil, was struck by an enemy drone, injuring one crew member, according to Ukrainian regional development minister Oleksiy Kuleba. Another incident involved a San Marino-flagged vessel leaving port with a cargo of corn. Kuleba emphasized that these attacks demonstrate Russia's deliberate actions against civilian shipping, international trade, and maritime safety. Odesa regional governor Oleg Kiper confirmed that both incidents occurred near the Chornomorsk port on the southern Ukrainian coast. Last year marked the deadliest period for civilians in Ukraine since the onset of the conflict. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that conflict-related violence resulted in 2,514 civilian deaths and 12,142 injuries in 2025, indicating a 31% increase in casualties compared to 2024. In a shift of focus, a U.S.-linked investor group has secured mining rights for Ukraine's Dobra lithium deposit, with the Kyiv government announcing the consortium's formation. Dobra Lithium, backed by firms TechMet and Rock Holdings, includes Ronald S. Lauder, a billionaire and associate of Donald Trump, among its investors. TechMet has reportedly received backing from the U.S. government via the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2