The UK and Ukraine have been united in calling for tougher action against Russia after retreating Russian forces appeared to intentionally kill civilians (Vadim Ghirda/AP)
(Picture: AP)A senior US diplomat has warned the appointment of Russian general Alexander Dvornikov to oversee the war in Ukraine will lead to more crimes and brutality against civilians.
On Friday, Ukrainian officials said more than 50 people were killed in a missile strike on a train station in city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, where thousands of people had gathered to evacuate.
Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians and on Saturday appointed General Dvornikov, who has significant experience in Syria, to lead its forces.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the general had a record of brutality against civilians in Syria, adding: “we can expect more of the same in this theatre.”
He said “no appointment of any general can erase the fact that Russia has already faced a strategic failure in Ukraine”.
He told CNN’s State of the Union: “This general will just be another author of crimes and brutality against Ukrainian civilians.
“And the United States, as I said before, is determined to do all that we can to support Ukrainians as they resist him and they resist the forces that he commands.”
Mr Sullivan said the US was committed to supplying Ukraine with the weapons “it needs” to defend itself and prevent Russia from seizing more territory.
The United States has sent $1.7 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24, the White House said last week.
Weapons shipments have included defensive anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles, as well as ammunition and body armor.
But U.S. and European leaders are being pressed by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to provide heavier arms and equipment to engage Russia in the eastern region of the country, where Russia is expected to intensify its military efforts.
