Russia asks US to explain role in Ukraine attacks, Lavrov says

The Story in Brief

Russia has formally asked the United States to explain its alleged involvement in Ukrainian strikes against Russian territory, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday. He told state TV that Moscow had submitted a series of questions to the State Department, specifically about intelligence sharing and what he called Washington's 'far deeper' role in organising attacks on civilian targets inside Russia. The remarks are the most direct accusation by a senior Russian official of direct U.S. participation in the war. The United States had not responded immediately. Lavrov's comments come amid escalating tensions as Ukraine continues cross-border operations.

The Hindu reported that Lavrov linked the alleged U.S. support to the supply of intelligence for strikes 'deep within Russian territory' against civilian sites. No further evidence was provided, and the U.S. side did not comment. The Kremlin has repeatedly accused the West of being a de facto combatant, though Washington says it only provides defensive aid and intelligence for self-defence.