How Russia’s attack on Ukraine violates international law
PBS NewsHourMar 05, 2022
Day 228: Russian Attack in Zaporizhzhia Reportedly Kills 13; Putin Enhances Security at Crimea Bridge
Image copyright: State Emergency Service Ukraine [via CNN]
The Facts
On Sunday, a Russian missile attack reportedly struck an apartment complex and other residential buildings in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia — the second strike on the city in three days. According to Ukrainian officials, at least 13 people were killed, and a further 87 — including 10 children — were injured.
Amid renewed strikes — for which both Russia and Ukraine have traded blame — Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) reportedly lost its last external power source to a 750-kilovolt line on Saturday. While all six reactors at ZNPP are shut down, it still requires electricity for cooling and other safety purposes.
The Spin
Anti-Russia 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.
