Russia Ukraine War: Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine with missiles, drones and multiple launch rocket systems. The United Nations Security Council called an emergency meeting on Monday in view of these attacks. This meeting was held at the beginning of the new year in view of the increasing difficulties faced by millions of Ukrainian citizens amid increasing attacks and severe cold.
Rosemary DiCarlo, a senior UN official and Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told the meeting that Russia had stepped up systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities as temperatures dropped well below zero. Many civilians have been killed and injured in these attacks. Millions of people have been deprived of basic amenities like electricity, heating and water for a long time.
About 15 thousand people died
At least 14,999 civilians have been killed, including 763 children, since Russia began full-scale attacks in February 2022, he said, citing figures from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Russia’s answer
Russia’s Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzya strongly condemned allegations of targeting civilians during the attacks on Ukraine. He claimed that Russian forces do not attack civilians and that most civilian casualties are caused by Ukrainian air defense systems. Nebenzya ended her statement with a warning that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must agree to talks with conditions. He said-
“…Until then, we will solve the problems by military means. They were warned in time. The terms of negotiations will get worse for them with each passing day. Every despicable attack on Russian citizens will be met with a strong response.”
Demand for additional sanctions on Russia
To this, Ukraine’s permanent representative Andriy Melnyk replied that Russia is the party that is deliberately derailing peace initiatives. He appealed to Ukraine’s allies to impose additional sanctions on Russia and increase economic pressure so that aggression can be stopped.
Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine
For the last several days, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine is being attacked by Russia with missiles, drones and multiple launch rocket systems. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed successful strikes in several areas.
Ukrainian army positions in the Krasnoarmeysk direction were attacked with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). It is claimed that this caused huge damage to the bunkers. The Ukrainian ammunition depot in Zaporizhzhia was hit with precise artillery strikes. Heavy damage has been caused to Ukrainian weapons, troops and engineering structures by drones and missiles.
Struggle continues for 4 years
These attacks are taking place at a time when Ukraine is facing severe cold and the energy crisis has deepened. The meeting called for the international community to protect civilians and respect humanitarian law, but differences between Russia and Ukraine have deepened. The conflict has now entered its fourth year and no immediate agreement is in sight between the two sides. The United Nations is continuously appealing for ceasefire and talks, but no solution is emerging.
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