The United States has accused Russia of a "dangerous and inexplicable escalation" in Ukraine, as tensions rise amid US efforts to negotiate peace. Deputy US Ambassador to the United Nations, Tammy Bruce, criticised Russia's recent launch of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile near Ukraine's border with Poland, a NATO member. This bold move comes at a crucial time for negotiations spearheaded by the US.

Last week, Russia launched a large-scale overnight assault involving numerous drones and missiles, including the hypersonic Oreshnik, a clear warning to Ukraine's NATO allies. This attack follows progress made by Ukraine and its allies in defences against Russian aggression should a US-led peace deal materialise. The incident also coincides with recent tensions between Moscow and Washington after a US oil tanker seizure, alongside US President Donald Trump’s support for harsh sanctions aimed at weakening Russia economically.

In an emergency UN Security Council meeting, European leaders condemned Russia’s actions, labelling them "escalatory and unacceptable." Bruce emphasised the potential for peace initiatives, owing much to President Trump's dedication, while urging a de-escalation of the conflict. Despite the international call for peace, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia blamed Ukraine for the stalemate and threatened military actions until Ukraine agrees to Russia's demands.

Ukraine’s UN Ambassador, Andriy Melnyk, countered by highlighting Russia's vulnerabilities, such as a slowing economy and decreased oil revenue, presenting a different narrative. Melnyk asserted that Russia’s perceived strength is largely fabricated, reported ABC.

Key Takeaways

• US accuses Russia of an "escalatory" missile launch amid peace talks.

• Russia’s demands remain unwavering, with diplomatic tensions persisting.

• Ukraine highlights Russia's growing economic and political vulnerabilities.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2026-01-14

 

 

The US criticizing Russia is actually an astonishing thing to witness, considering the extent to which Trump has been a willing subject and lapdog of Putin for decades now.

The US criticizing Russia is actually an astonishing thing to witness, considering its bombing of Iran , kidnapping , murdering and piracy in/near Venuzuela.

Bombing several countries in Africa. Aiding genocide in Gaza.

Threatening Greenland and Iran again.

There , I fixed it for you mike007

Not a beep from the man who has been beating his chest about invasions and annexations but crickets on Putin's latest escalation. King Con always goes soft on his buddy Putin.

1 hour ago, FlorC said:

The US criticizing Russia is actually an astonishing thing to witness, considering its bombing of Iran , kidnapping , murdering and piracy in/near Venuzuela.

Bombing several countries in Africa. Aiding genocide in Gaza.

Threatening Greenland and Iran again.

There , I fixed it for you mike007

...There Was Nigeria Recently 'Addressed'...(?) And Another Country...(?) .....Don't Forget Also On The Watch List Mexico...Cuba....(?)

...And What About What Is Now Going On In Argentina...(?) ...Not To Mention The Absolutely Obliterated Palestine...(?)

3 hours ago, FlorC said:

The US criticizing Russia is actually an astonishing thing to witness, considering its bombing of Iran , kidnapping , murdering and piracy in/near Venuzuela.

Bombing several countries in Africa. Aiding genocide in Gaza.

Threatening Greenland and Iran again.

There , I fixed it for you mike007

Which in no way invalidate Mike's comment that addresses the subject. You would find some agreement on the other subjects you bring up but ... they are not the subject of the post.

The blasting with words works so well with Putin, right?

How about real blasts, with missiles, armor, air force.

Treat him gently, but get his attention. Words are just words

Oooops!

11 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

The US criticizing Russia is actually an astonishing thing to witness, considering the extent to which Trump has been a willing subject and lapdog of Putin for decades now.

He's already blaming Zelenski...

7 hours ago, candide said:

He's already blaming Zelenski...

Zelensky is blocking peace because he doesn't let Russia get everything they want?

That is madness to say, even for Trump. He is really losing it on all fronts.

Russia is not willing to negotiate anything, they only have demands, and they want Ukraine to surrender.

20 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

The US criticizing Russia is actually an astonishing thing to witness, considering the extent to which Trump has been a willing subject and lapdog of Putin for decades now.

Unfortunately it means nothing I remember trump praising putin for the invasion as his bestie was shooting ship killer missiles into apartment buildings……trump is an asset to the enemy there’s no doubt to anyone who is lucid……it’s what he does not what he says….starving Ukraine for weapons trying to humiliate Zelenskyy….it is what it is unfortunately.

Whilst we talk about all the crap that comes out of Trumpsters' mouth, we ain't talking about Epstein's' pedo buddy or the ace of spades and two jokers Putin must hold 🤔

2 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

Zelensky is blocking peace because he doesn't let Russia get everything they want?

That is madness to say, even for Trump. He is really losing it on all fronts.

Russia is not willing to negotiate anything, they only have demands, and they want Ukraine to surrender.

it might be that USA, Russia and China made some type of agreement. The USA has Venezuela and eventually all the Americas; China has Taiwan, and Russia has Ukraine.

1 hour ago, GoodieAfterDark said:

it might be that USA, Russia and China made some type of agreement. The USA has Venezuela and eventually all the Americas; China has Taiwan, and Russia has Ukraine.

The fruits of Helenskey possibly just what did those two criminals discuss without witnesses ehh?