Day 49 Roundup: US Promises $800M more in Aid, Russia Accused of Genocide and Terrorism
The Facts
US Pres. Biden accused Putin of the internationally recognized crime of genocide on Tues., while speaking in Iowa. The legal process for determining whether genocide is occurring in Ukraine is still underway. Other leaders, like Polish Pres. Duda, followed suit Wed., and demanded international justice for Russian "terrorism."
The White House clarified on Wed. that Biden's comments don't reflect a change in US policy, although Biden promised an additional $800M in military assistance to Ukraine shortly afterwards.
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 a fraudulent 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.