Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday of using internationally prohibited cluster munitions in strikes on the city of Belgorod in Russia. The country’s Permanent Representative the UN Security Council called the strikes “indiscriminate” and said they killed 18 people, including three children, in addition to injuring 108 others.
Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council following Ukraine’s shelling attack on Belgorod. Dmitry Polyansky, the Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the need for the Czech permanent representative to be present to explain the country’s weapon supplies, which Russia alleges are being used to target civilians. The Czech envoy refused to take part in the meeting.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “We refuse to be summoned anywhere by Russia. Czechia will not serve the lie-poisoned propaganda of the aggressor. When Russia wants to discuss the withdrawal of its occupying troops at the Security Council, we will be happy to come.” Russia Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman also alleged involvement of the UK in the attacks.
After Ukraine’s attack, Russia carried out its own rocket and drone attack that killed 24 people and injured 134 others. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned this response in a statement through his spokesperson, saying:
Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must end immediately. The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of all the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
Earlier this month, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk criticised Russia for failure to protect the safety and human rights of civilians in Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine war started in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The situation remains volatile, with civilians facing threats of attack and the region facing instability.
