Russia Threatens Massive Air Strikes on Kyiv; Rubio Says US Ready to Mediate

According to the Central News Agency, following Russia's threat to launch a new wave of air strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said today that Washington is ready to mediate. AFP reported that Russia issued a warning, including calling on foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv, and threatened to launch "systematic" strikes, including targeting "decision-making centers," signaling a further escalation of the war that has lasted over four years. During his visit to India, Rubio told reporters that every time a large-scale attack occurs, it reminds the world that this is a terrible war. He said, "The United States is always ready to do everything possible to help end this war when the time is right." Rubio made these remarks after Russia launched a massive bombardment of Ukraine over the weekend, including the use of the "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. He had previously spoken by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.