How Russia’s attack on Ukraine violates international law
PBS NewsHourMar 05, 2022
Ukrainian and Russian officials have confirmed that there so far have been no increased levels of radiation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant following the latest rounds of shelling.
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged blame for shelling the plant over the last few weeks. On Sun., Moscow claimed a pipeline had been damaged after at least nine missiles were launched. Defence Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said three missiles landed at sites storing nuclear and radioactive waste. The claims couldn't be independently verified.
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.
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.
There's a 10% chance there will be a bilateral cease-fire or peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia by Dec. 31, 2022, according to the Metaculus prediction community.