Russia pummels Ukraine with 'massive' wave of airstrikes; 18 reported killed
CNBCJan 05
Russia Strikes Ukraine in Retaliation for Belgorod Attack
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The Facts
Russia on Sunday targeted "decision-making centers and military installations" in Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv in retaliation for what it called a "terrorist attack" on the border city of Belgorod a day earlier.
Though Russia's defense ministry said that its forces had used high-precision missiles to hit military targets in Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials alleged that the missiles didn't hit military facilities but "cafes, residential buildings, and offices" and killed at least two civilians.
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia is within its rights to punish the organizers and perpetrators of the deadliest attack on its civilians since the start of the special military operation. Ukraine not only allegedly used cluster munitions but also targeted a sports center, an ice rink, and a university. Kyiv's deliberate, indiscriminate attacks against the Russians are testament to Zelenskyy's corrupt and lawless regime, which seeks to kill as many Russians as possible to please its NATO allies.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Russians want to intimidate Kyiv, but Ukraine is merely defending itself. Putin is paying the price for invading Ukraine and starting the war nearly two years ago. The responsibility for civilian casualties ultimately lays with the war criminal and Russia's incompetent air defense that produced falling fragments over Belgorod. If the Kremlin wants someone to blame for the deaths of Russians in this war, it should start with Putin.
