Russia, after Kiev’s maxi-raid attack on Belgorod: 18 victims

Kiev’s response to the massive wave of Russian attacks that caused the deaths of at least 39 civilians across Ukraine was immediate. Since the early hours of the morning, Russian local authorities have reported drone strikes conducted by enemy forces in the Moscow, Bryansk, Kursk and Oryol regions. However, the heaviest attack, in terms of casualties, occurred during the day in Belgorod where, according to the Federation government, Ukrainian bombs fell right in the center, hitting residential areas and causing the death of at least 18 people, including two children.

“President Vladimir Putin was informed about the attack by the Ukrainian armed forces on the residential areas of Belgorod,” explained Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “This terrorist attack will not go unpunished,” threatened Andrei Turchak, first vice-president of the Russian Federation Council, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova blamed the UK and EU for being behind the attack. Casualties also occurred in Bryansk: “Terrorists shelled the villages of Kister and Borshchovo in the Pogarsky district,” reported Governor Alexander Bogomaz, “unfortunately a child born in 2014 died.” Kiev, however, denied targeting civilians. “The damage to civil infrastructure that we witnessed in Belgorod is a consequence of unprofessional actions by Russian air defense and deliberate and planned provocations,” noted the Kiev special services after taking responsibility for launching 70 drones against military targets on Russian territory. . . Like the Kremniy El factory in the Byransk region, where electrical components for long-range missiles and ‘Pantsir’ air defense systems are produced.

Meanwhile, the number of victims caused by the attacks launched by Russia on December 29 continues in Ukraine. In the capital Kiev, at the moment, the most serious number is recorded, with 16 deaths. Number destined to increase as we continue to excavate the rubble, in particular – explained mayor Vitali Klitschko – among those “from a warehouse in the Shevchenkiv district”. The tragedy will be remembered on January 1st, when a day of mourning will take place in the city. In the wake of the climate of emotion and condemnation of the massacre, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again pressed the issue of military assistance while abroad, the American Congress has not yet reached an agreement on the new aid package for Kiev. “Weapons in the hands of Ukrainians are always a means of protecting human lives, and each manifestation of Russian terror repeatedly demonstrates that we cannot delay assistance to those who oppose terrorism,” Zelensky recalled. Instead, his adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, reiterated the government’s hard line on possible negotiations with Moscow. “There will not be, in the classical sense of the word,” he interrupted, “there will be final demands on the Russian Federation and Moscow will accept them.” “Russia has never submitted to ultimatums or blackmail. Anyone who arrived with a sword or grenade was expelled,” replied Maria Zakharova.

Source: IL Tempo

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