Ukraine: 200 Bodies Found in Basement in Mariupol’s Ruins
SnopesJul 28, 2022
Day 91 Roundup: Fighting in Donbas Intensifies, World Bank Warns of Recession
Image copyright: Getty Images [via Newsweek]
The Facts
Ukrainian and Russian sources reported a heavy intensification of air strikes and shelling across the eastern Donbas region late on Tuesday. In his late night address, Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy said: "The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult. All the remaining strength of the Russian army is now concentrated on this region."
Gov. of Luhansk Serhiy Gaidai said Russia had begun to pound Severodonetsk with air strikes, rockets and artillery overnight. He said a "full-scale offensive in all directions" had commenced, and accused Russia of using scorched-earth tactics.
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.