US Warns Russia at UN as Casualties Hit 40,000 a Month

Key Points:

• The United States warned Russia at the UN Security Council that its opportunity to improve its position in Ukraine is diminishing and urged Moscow to negotiate an end to the war, emphasizing the high costs Russia is incurring.
• US Deputy Permanent Representative Den Negri highlighted Russia's heavy casualties, economic strain, and Ukraine’s rapid innovations, calling for diplomacy to stop the ongoing bloodshed.
• UN officials reported May as the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, with at least 274 killed and 1,763 wounded, marking a significant increase in civilian casualties due to intensified Russian missile and drone attacks.
• Cultural heritage sites in Ukraine, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and Kharkiv Art Museum, have been damaged amid the conflict, with UNESCO noting over 530 cultural sites harmed since February 2022.
• The UN has confirmed over 16,000 civilian deaths and nearly 47,000 wounded since the full-scale invasion began, though officials believe the actual figures are likely higher.