Vladimir Putin‘s Russia has long targeted civilians in Ukraine, including children. Today’s International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Lvova-Belova is a reminder to Russia of their responsibility in such atrocious war crimes.
On the eve of Ukraine’s annual commemoration of Holodomor famine genocide in the Soviet Union under Stalin, raids occur. This attack highlights a growing sense of despondence throughout the country.
Russian missiles hit military-industrial targets in Ukraine
On Monday, Russia ramped up pressure against Ukraine with missile and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure far from frontlines. Air raid sirens echoed through Kyiv as citizens took refuge in subway tunnels to seek safety.
Local officials reported that strikes hit several residential, retail, and administrative buildings across Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions of Ukraine. Debris from a shot-down drone fell onto a house in Boyarka suburb and started a fire, prompting resident Andrii Korobka to lament that “war is continuing – it won’t just pass you by,” adding: “you cannot just leave home thinking it won’t affect you”.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued an alarming nightly address, warning of Ukraine’s resolve not to let Kremlin terror go unanswered. According to him, Ukrainian air defences have intercepted between 65% and 85% of Shahed and cruise missiles launched against it from Russia – however this figure conceals real damage as Ukrainian forces must concentrate more on defensive operations than offensive ones.
Russian President Vladimir Putin courts families of dead servicemen
Putin’s attacks against Ukraine as they enter 2019 come at a time when he is seeking to enhance his leadership credentials before elections in March. Furthermore, the Russian president is courting families of dead servicemen whom he refers to as “heroes.”
Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 3 that Ukraine would strike more targets inside Russia and near its border regions as a message that basic human principles apply equally regardless of whether the US recognizes the International Criminal Court. “Nobody should feel they can commit crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide with impunity,” Zelensky declared.
Olga Lopatkina, who had battled to retrieve her adopted children from an institution run by Russian loyalists in Crimea, welcomed Friday’s International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants with enthusiasm. She wrote in text exchange with CNN’s Clarissa Ward that everyone must pay for their crimes; these warrants represent one step in that direction, she stated.
Russia’s Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport says a Ukrainian drone hit a tanker
Attack on tanker in Kerch Strait between Crimea and Russia has briefly disrupted traffic on bridge and ferry transport links, according to Russia’s Tass news agency. Vessel was transporting fuel for Russian jets fighting Syria according to Tass.
Video posted to Ukrainian television and shared by various officials via social media cuts out just before an explosion occurs. According to Ukraine’s Security Service director, drone attacks were “absolutely logical and effective against our enemy”.
Anxiety over war fatigue is hindering Kyiv’s efforts to secure more weapons from Western allies, prompting Ukrainian lawmakers and officials alike to urge the government to request additional air defence missiles and combat drones, with Britain’s Defense Minister promising Pyongyang that it will pay a price for supporting Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have requested Western countries release frozen Russian assets so that more air defense weapons and military equipment can be purchased to degrade Moscow’s ability to wage warfare.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with the families of dead servicemen
After Russian President Vladimir Putin unleashed a wave of missile drone attacks across Ukraine early on New Year’s Day, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky threatened Russia that their nation will have at least one million additional drones by next year and warned they will face Ukraine’s wrath. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence reported 87 Shahed kamikaze drones launched from Russia were destroyed – including one which hit infrastructure in Odessa and caused fire damage.
Russian drone and rocket strikes have left hundreds of civilian areas across Ukraine devastated. RFE/RL correspondents interviewed people in Moscow regarding their reactions to Russia’s drone and rocket attacks; most appeared unaware that anything was going on; in one chic neighborhood most women seemed blissfully enjoying the sun while others appeared to be heading off for work or appointments quickly. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin met with mothers of fallen servicemen at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence located just outside Moscow.
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