In a tense exchange at the United Nations Security Council, the United States and Russia traded accusations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood accused Russia of firing nine ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea at Ukraine, a charge vehemently denied by Moscow. The meeting, requested by Russia, focused on the situation in Ukraine, which has been embroiled in conflict since Russia's invasion nearly two years ago.

Wood emphasized the need for accountability, citing Russia's alleged violations of UN Security Council resolutions. Both Russia and North Korea denied the accusations, but their growing military ties raised concerns among Western nations.

The escalation of accusations follows the recent downing of a Russian military transport plane on January 24th. Russia blamed Ukraine for the incident, claiming evidence that a U.S.-made Patriot surface-to-air missile was used. However, the U.S. denied involvement, and Russian investigators alleged that Ukraine's military shot down the plane.

The Security Council meeting also addressed recent violence in eastern Ukraine, where Russia accused Ukraine of killing civilians with Western-supplied rockets. In response, a senior Ukrainian diplomat accused Russia of spreading misinformation.

Wood expressed concern over civilian casualties but reiterated that Russia was the aggressor in the conflict and held the power to end it. The lack of independent media reporting hindered the U.S.'s ability to verify information independently.

As tensions mount and accusations fly, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the conflict that has claimed countless lives and destabilized the region.