The latest massive Russian attacks on Ukraine call into question the sincerity of the Kremlin's statements about its desire for peace, says Acting US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN John Kelly.

He stated this at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday, Vlaskor reports to Ukrinform in New York.

The recent drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, the destruction of residential areas, the offices of the EU delegation in Kyiv, and the building housing the British Council, call into question Russia's seriousness in its desire to achieve peace, Kelly said, adding that these strikes on civilian targets must stop immediately.

The diplomat recalled that in recent weeks the United States has made exceptional efforts to end the war.

"Russia must make a decision now to move toward peace. The leaders of Russia and Ukraine must agree to hold a bilateral meeting," Kelly said.

He also noted that President (Donald) Trump has warned Moscow of the possibility of new economic measures if Russia refuses to negotiate and continues its aggression. These measures could have far-reaching consequences for Russia's future economic well-being, Kelly stressed.

The United States calls on the Russian Federation to avoid these consequences by stopping the violence and engaging constructively in ending the war, he said.

As Ukrinform reported, the UN Security Council convened at Ukraine's request for an emergency meeting to discuss Russia's large-scale air attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on the night of August 28. Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko is participating in the meeting.