The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has taken a dangerous turn, with Ukraine launching a cluster bomb strike on the border city of Belgorod, resulting in the tragic loss of civilian lives. The incident has triggered an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting and raised concerns about the use of NATO weaponry by Ukraine. In this article, we delve into the details of the incident, the international response, and the escalating tensions between the two nations.
Ukraine’s Cluster Bomb Strike on Belgorod
On December 30, 2023, Ukraine launched cluster bombs on the border city of Belgorod, resulting in the tragic death of 14 civilians. Cluster munitions, banned by a 2008 UN convention with the support of 110 nations, were deployed against civilian targets, an act that Russia labeled a “terrorist act.” The missiles used in this strike were launched using an RM-70 Vampire, a weapon made by the Czech Republic, a NATO member.
Some are saying that it was a cluster bomb attack while others are saying it was a rocket attack. The explosions from this civilian car cam below sound a bit like cluster bombs going off.
The moment unguided Ukrainian MLRS rockets started killing civilians in the middle of Belgorod.
— What the media hides. (@narrative_hole) December 30, 2023
This is 100% an intentional attack against the population, and it is the true colours of Ukraine that our media isn’t too keen to share. pic.twitter.com/SZpX3sZr5N
Russia’s Call for UN Security Council Meeting
In response to the cluster bomb strike, Russia swiftly called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, demanded answers regarding why NATO weaponry was used by Ukraine against Russian civilians. The presence of the Czech permanent representative to the UN was also sought to explain the use of their country’s ammunition in the attack.
To Russia, This Was a Terrorist Attack
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the Belgorod attack as a “terrorist” act. Moscow has shifted blame onto the UK and US, accusing them of inciting the attack. Zakharova stated that the Anglo-Saxons had resorted to the tactic of terror attacks on civilians.
Russia’s Missile and Drone Strikes
The cluster bomb strike on Belgorod followed a wave of missile and drone strikes unleashed by Russian forces on targets throughout Ukraine. Russia’s military claimed to have targeted only military facilities and infrastructure directly associated with them. The Russian Defense Ministry defended its actions, vowing to continue in the same manner and promising that the attack on Belgorod would not go unpunished.
Ukraine’s Retaliation and Biden’s Warning
Ukraine’s attack on Belgorod was widely seen as retaliation for Russia’s sweeping air strike campaign on Ukrainian targets. This air campaign was described as the largest since the conflict began in February 2022. In response to Russia’s actions, President Joe Biden issued a statement warning that the United States could become “directly” involved in the conflict. He expressed concerns about the consequences of allowing dictators and autocrats to exert their influence in Europe.
Biden’s speech suggesting direct U.S. involvement in Ukraine, one before the Czech Republic’s attack on Belgorod, Russia, is seen as evidence that the Biden administration and U.S. government approved the attack to provoke Russia into retaliating against the Czech Republic. This, in turn, would prompt NATO’s intervention under Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
Russia’s Accusation of Hybrid Warfare
Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to Washington, seized on Biden’s statement to accuse the United States of waging “hybrid warfare” against Russia. This accusation further highlights the deteriorating relationship between the two nations and the deepening complexities of the conflict.
Bottom-line: The cluster bomb strike on Belgorod and the subsequent developments have escalated tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The incident has drawn international attention, leading to an emergency UN Security Council meeting. As both sides engage in a blame game and threats of direct involvement loom, the situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable. The international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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