How Russia’s attack on Ukraine violates international law
PBS NewsHourMar 05, 2022
Day 297: Putin Meets Commanders of 'Special Military Operation'
Image copyright: Getty Images [via The Guardian]
The Facts
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin spent Friday meeting with commanders of his "special military operation" in Ukraine at an undisclosed location in Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The head of the state examined the staff’s work, was briefed about the special military operation’s progress, held a conference and separate meetings with commanders."
Putin reportedly told the meeting: "Esteemed comrades, let us listen to commanders from every sector of operations. I would like to listen to your proposals about our short-and mid-term actions." Defense minister Sergei Shoigu and Russia's top military commander in Ukraine, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, were among those pictured at the talks.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after an election a "coup." This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.
Nerd narrative
There is a 3% chance that Ukraine will officially recognize a former Ukrainian territory as independent before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
