Demands for Massive Attacks
Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian State Duma’s Committee on International Affairs, has called for massive strikes on Kyiv, Boryspil Airport, and the railway bridges crossing the Dnipro River. His proposal received approval from 404 out of 450 lawmakers. Slutsky stated that the Kremlin faces no red lines in its operations and urged the military command to consider targeting the Dnipro bridges, aiming to cripple rail traffic across Ukraine. He justified this initiative as an attempt to halt trains carrying lethal weaponry from Poland.
International Reaction
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, commented on these threats, indicating that aerial attacks on Kyiv could become regular but not daily. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that strikes on Kyiv have been carried out and will continue. Additionally, Sergey Lavrov, during a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced the commencement of systematic strikes on targets in the capital.
Slutsky also addressed the international response, noting that the parliaments of France and Germany 'condemn' Russia’s actions, while EU embassies have refused to evacuate, calling this a 'masterpiece of hypocrisy.' He emphasized that Russia’s actions are a response to threats and promised that 'severe retribution' is imminent.
These statements highlight an escalation in tensions between Russia and Ukraine, along with a rise in military activity from the Russian side. Calls for massive strikes and confirmations of potential systematic attacks could lead to severe humanitarian consequences for civilians. The international community, including EU member states, continues to monitor the evolving situation, which may influence future diplomatic and military decisions in the region.
As the situation intensifies, Ukraine's response to these threats has been both defiant and mocking. The government has publicly dismissed Russia's latest claims, highlighting the resilience of its defenses. For a deeper understanding of Ukraine's reaction and the broader implications of these threats, read more about how Ukraine is handling the ongoing aggression in this article.