US ambassador to Ukraine criticizes Russia for overnight strikes

Bridget A. Brink attends a ceremony in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 25. Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform/Future Publishing/Getty Images

The US Ambassador to Kyiv criticized Russia for another missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Tuesday as Moscow prepared for its annual Victory Day parade.

"Ukraine, Europe, and the United States commemorated victory over tyranny yesterday," Bridget A. Brink tweeted, referring to commemorations of the end of World War II. "Russia marks May 9 with more missiles and drones launched toward Ukrainian cities and sleeping civilians."

Ukrainian officials said their air defenses intercepted all but two of 25 cruise missiles fired by Russia overnight Tuesday as Moscow's aerial barrage intensified. No casualties were reported.

Russia's Victory Day parade is an exhibition of patriotism marking the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazi Germany, which has long been used by the Kremlin to rally public support and demonstrate the country's military prowess.