Russia‘s Lavrov Accuses Ukraine of Targeting Civilians, Vows Retribution
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has alleged that Ukraine is attacking civilian targets in Russia using drones and missiles provided by the West. He made these remarks during a speech on Thursday morning, stating that Russia will retaliate against such actions. "This is happening at the behest of the West. We will respond. It is against the law to attack civilian targets," Lavrov asserted.
In his speech, delivered on Boxing Day, Lavrov reviewed the year 2024. He maintained that Russia’s sole objective is to strike military installations and infrastructure, and that it does not intend to target civilians.
Ukraine’s Strikes in Russia
Four people were killed and five others injured in the Russian city of Belgorod, in the Kursk region, on Wednesday, according to the region’s governor. He attributed the attack to Ukraine. However, Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the incident.
International Law and Civilian Targets
Attacking purely civilian targets is considered a violation of international humanitarian law and is considered a war crime. Palle Ydstebø from the Norwegian Defence University College stated earlier this year that Russia’s tactics of targeting civilians amounted to "terror bombing". He noted a clear pattern of attacks on civilian targets by Russia.
