Rescuers Race to Find Survivors After Massive Russian Drone Attack
November 18, 2024
Following one of the fiercest strikes of the entire war in the city of Sumy, rescuers were still combing through the rubble, looking for victims and survivors.
At least eight people were killed in the barrage, including two children.
“Every life destroyed by Russia is a big tragedy,” said Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Some 400 people were able to be safely evacuated from a residential area that was struck as part of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Since the start of the war, Moscow has focused attacks on Ukraine’s power supply ahead of the cold winter months.
Russian Lawmaker: US is Risking World War III
November 18, 2024
Russian lawmaker Maria Butina has said that the US is taking a significant risk with its decision to drop restrictions on using long-range weapons inside Russian territory.
“These guys, Biden’s administration, is trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office,” Butina told Reuters news agency.
“I have a great hope that (President-elect Donald) Trump will overcome this decision if this has been made because they are seriously risking the start of World War Three which is not in anybody’s interest.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said that he would consider such a move by a NATO ally as a declaration of war.
Amnesty: Russia is Guilty of War Crimes
November 18, 2024
Amnesty International has said that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine, pointing to its repeated attacks that have left mass civilian casualties, including children.
“Children, as some of the most vulnerable groups in any society, enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law,” said Amnesty’s Ukraine expert Patrick Thompson.
“Yet we continue to see them killed and injured in areas far from the front lines, including in areas with zero military targets.”
Amnesty said Russia had carried out at least 17 strikes in 2024 alone that caused child casualties.
In a July attack, a missile struck Okhmatdyt, the largest children’s hospital in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Confirms End of US Long-Range Missile Ban
November 18, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy appeared to confirm US media reports in his Monday briefing that the White House had quietly ended its ban on using American-made long-range weapons inside Russian territory.
Zelenskyy had long pressed for the end of the ban, but US President Joe Biden had voiced concerns that doing so would escalate the conflict by making NATO alliance party to the war.
The Ukrainian president spoke on the news, first reported by The New York Times and The Washington Post, by saying “such things are not announced, missiles speak for themselves.”
Analysts have suggested that the move by Washington is likely to trigger similar re-thinking by other Western allies.
Expert Insights
- Ending the ban on long-range weapons could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Russia.
- Zelenskyy’s confirmation adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Conclusion
In summary, the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate with devastating consequences for civilians. The actions of Russia, the US, and other involved parties are shaping the course of the conflict and potentially risking wider implications for global peace and security.
FAQs
What is the current status of the conflict in Ukraine?
The conflict in Ukraine remains volatile, with ongoing military actions and humanitarian crises affecting the region.
How are international organizations responding to the situation?
International organizations like Amnesty International are condemning the actions of Russia and calling for accountability for war crimes committed in Ukraine.