Member countries called the claim "a lie" and "utter nonsense" and used the session to accuse Russia of deliberately targeting and killing hundreds of civilians in Ukraine.

Medical examiners who performed an autopsy on Russia's ambassador to the United Nations said Tuesday that more tests are needed to determine how and why he fell ill in his office and later died at a hospital.

A veteran diplomat known as a potent and personable voice for his country's interests died suddenly after falling ill Monday in his office at the mission.