The United States should take into account Moscow's warnings on risks of further escalation around the conflict in Ukraine, Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti cited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Friday.

The possible targets include open distribution devices at nuclear power plants and transmission substations, "which are essential for the safe functioning of the nuclear energy system," according to Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Ukrainian intelligence suggests Russia may target critical energy infrastructure, prompting calls for urgent global action to prevent a catastrophe as tensions in the war escalate

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stern warning to Ukraine's backers, stating that Russia is prepared to respond if long-range missiles strike its territory. This warning comes as Ukraine continues to seek permission from Western allies to use such weapons against Russia.