New Delhi, Jan. 13 -- The United States accused Russia on Monday of a "dangerous and inexplicable escalation" of its nearly four-year war in Ukraine at a time when the Trump administration is trying to advance negotiations toward peace.

U.S. deputy ambassador to the United Nations Tammy Bruce singled out Russia's launch of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile last week close to Ukraine's border with Poland, a NATO ally.

She told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that the United States deplores "the staggering number of casualties" in the conflict and condemns Russia's intensifying attacks on energy and other infrastructure.

Ukraine called for the meeting after last Thursday's overnight Russian bombardment with hundre...