US condemns attack on Russian Embassy in Kiev

The US has criticised the attack on the Russian Embassy in Kiev, and called on Ukraine to provide adequate security for the diplomatic mission.
"The United States condemns the attack on the Russian Embassy in Kiev, and calls on the Ukrainian authorities to meet their Vienna convention obligations to provide adequate security," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
Secretary of State John Kerry also called Ukrainian Prime Minster Arseny Yatsenyuk and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov over the latest developments in the region over the last few days.
During the telephonic conversation with Ukrainian PM Yatsenyuk this morning, Kerry expressed condolences for the loss of life when the Ukrainian transport plane was shot down by Russian-supported separatists overnight, a senior State Department official said.

"He expressed strong concern about the ongoing flow of heavy weaponry and militants across the border from Russia and the contribution to increasing violence in eastern Ukraine," the official said.
Kerry also reiterated the support of the US for Ukraine's commitment to defending its border and for President Poroshenko's peace plan.

"He underscored the commitment of the US and G7 partners to raise the costs for Russia if it does not end the flow of weapons across the border and break with separatists," the official said, adding that Yatsenyuk also provided an update on the ongoing negotiations over gas prices.

Kerry also spoke with Lavrov yesterday and expressed concern about events over the last few days including the transport of heavy weaponry and militants across the border and the shooting down of the Ukrainian transport flight.
"He pressed Foreign Minister Lavrov to make clear Russia's commitment to de-escalation and peace by ending the flow of weapons and support to separatists, and actively working with Ukraine for a ceasefire, amnesty, and political dialogue," the State Department official said.
"He also urged a fair and equitable settlement of the gas dispute. They also discussed the escalating threat posed by ISIL in Iraq and Syria, and the need to remove Syria's remaining chemical weapons material as soon as possible," the official said.