EPAAn apartment complex in Odesa that was hit
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 02:50
The United Nations and several countries have sharply criticized Russia in the Security Council after yesterday’s deadly attack on Ukraine. At least 31 civilians were killed and more than 150 were injured in the largest air raid since the start of the war.
“This Christmas, instead of bringing peace, Putin has opted for an unprecedented drone and missile attack on another member of the UN,” said U.S. Representative Kelley. He further spoke of a gruesome attack on civilian targets.
The spokesman for UN chief Guterres also condemned the attack in the Security Council. “Once again, Ukrainians are forced to take shelter during the holidays, clear rubble and bury their dead in the freezing cold.” The UN regrets that 2023 “ends as it began”.
Black Petes
Russia launched a large-scale attack last night at several locations throughout Ukraine. More than 150 projectiles were fired, including drones, ballistic ammunition and cruise missiles. The attack caused a lot of damage: hospitals, schools and shops, among others, were hit.
Russian Ambassador Nebenzha rejected the convictions in a lengthy speech. He said his country had only attacked military targets and that Ukrainian anti-aircraft guns had caused the damage to civilian buildings by shooting Russian missiles out of the sky. He further reiterated the position that Russia is acting in self-defense.
“Ukraine is nothing more than a mercenary army in the hands of the West, which Russia must do as much damage as possible. That is what the Western allies are about, they do not care about the lives of ordinary Ukrainians.” He added that Western support “prolongs, but does not prevent, the regime’s death throes.”
China reluctant
“Lies and disinformation,” British Ambassador Woodward judged that rebuttal. The Ukrainian representative insisted that the attack proves that there is only one solution: “Russia must be denied the opportunity to continue producing weapons, financing military aggression and threatening the world.”
China kept a low profile: the country did not condemn the attack, but called on the warring parties to strive for peace.
Western countries responded to the attack with additional support: Britain immediately pledged 200 additional air defense missiles, US President Biden reiterated his call for Congress to provide more support.
2023-12-30 01:50:54
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