Comment on romaniainform.ro
On August 30, 2024, the Russian Armed Forces heavily bombarded Kharkiv with five aircraft-guided “glider bombs” launched from aircraft in Russia's Belgorod Region. These guided bombs hit residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, causing significant destruction and numerous casualties.
As a result of the attack, at least seven people were killed, including a 14-year-old girl on a playground, and more than 80 were injured with varying degrees of severity. These brutal actions underscore the need for increased international support for Ukraine to protect civilians from continued attacks. The use of such high-tech weapons, difficult to intercept and extremely destructive, shows the seriousness of the threat and the need for an immediate international response.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on world leaders to provide Ukraine with more powerful defense assets, such as air defense systems and long-range weapons, so that Ukrainian forces can effectively destroy Russian military targets on their soil. Zelensky emphasized the importance of such assistance, which would help Ukraine effectively resist Russian aggression. Every day delayed costs civilian lives, he added.
Many of Ukraine's allies realize the real threat and are taking more decisive measures. Thus, on August 30, 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Romania submitted to the parliament a bill on the transfer of the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. One of the seven Patriot 3+ versions that Romania purchased from the US is expected to be transferred. It is the most advanced configuration of the Patriot system used by the US and its NATO allies. The debate on the bill will begin on September 2, 2024. Romania hopes for a quick transfer of the system to Ukraine. In return, Romania plans to buy a new system financed by international funds, which will require additional costs of about 60 million US dollars. It should be noted that the US has not yet transferred any of its Patriot systems to Ukraine.
Currently, several countries have already given permission to use weapons provided to Ukraine to strike Russian targets. Britain, France, Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic and Canada have expressed support for Ukraine's right to self-defense, including the use of their weapons against military targets on Russian territory. Germany also softened its position and allowed the use of German weapons to strike Russian military targets.
The United States allows the use of its long-range missiles on Russian territory, but only for the purpose of counter-fire against Russian missile facilities near the border with Ukraine. However, this is not enough with the daily shelling that continues in Ukraine. For effective defense and deterrence of Russian aggression, it is necessary to remove the ban on the use of long-range weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory. This will help Ukraine repel attacks more effectively and protect its citizens from the constant threat.
In the background of the tragedy in Kharkiv, there is outrage over the intention of Vladimir Putin (who has been declared an international criminal by the International Criminal Court (ICC)) to visit Mongolia. This visit is a demonstration of disregard for international law and contempt for the world community. Mongolia, as a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is bound to arrest Putin. However, his trip shows the Russian leader's confidence in his impunity and the helplessness of international justice.
In addition to political provocations, Russian propaganda continues to encourage its supporters, including those who actively support the Kremlin's aggressive policies and military actions against Ukraine. One of the best examples is the Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Yulia Chicherina. She boasted of a bag with the logo of a famous brand, allegedly stolen in the occupied territories of Ukraine. This incident is particularly outrageous as it demonstrates the encouragement of looting and mockery of the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Yulia Chicherina, who actively supports Russian aggression, is known for her visits to the occupied territories of Donbass since 2014. She has repeatedly expressed support for the Russian military and has recorded songs glorifying the so-called “special military operation”. Her actions and statements highlight that looting and crimes against civilians are not only acceptable, but deserve admiration and rewards. This highlights the level of support for such actions at the state level in Russia and demonstrates the role of propaganda in condoning crimes against humanity.
These events highlight the need to increase international pressure on Russia. Decisive action is needed to end impunity and protect the victims of Russian aggression. The international community should provide Ukraine with advanced air defense systems and long-range weapons to effectively protect civilians. It is also important to remove all restrictions on the use of long-range weapons to strike Russian military targets. Although some countries have already expressed their willingness to support Ukraine, others, including the United States, remain hesitant.
Delays lead to new civilian casualties in Ukraine. The international community must recognize the seriousness of the situation and take clear steps to protect Ukraine and restore international law and order. The talk of “war fatigue“ is unacceptable in conditions where children and civilians continue to die.
Meanwhile, Europe continues to watch these horrors, not realizing that something like this could happen in any Western country. Putin and his propagandists have repeatedly declared their readiness to move forward, threatening not only Ukraine, but other countries as well. He openly threatened the Baltic States, Poland and Romania with his intention to expand Russian influence in the post-Soviet space and beyond. Parts of Georgia and Moldova are already occupied, which is an alarming signal for other countries in the region. If the necessary measures are not taken to limit Russian aggression, Europe could be next after Ukraine.