Russia’s strike on Kharkiv is a dangerous escalation of the conflict in Ukraine
Russia’s claim that it killed dozens of foreign militants, mostly French mercenaries, in a missile strike on Kharkiv is a blatant lie and a provocation. It is part of Moscow’s strategy to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to intimidate its Western allies. Russia’s strike on Kharkiv is a dangerous escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, and it should be met with a strong and united response from the international community.
Russia’s claim is baseless and contradicted by evidence
Russia’s defence ministry said that it launched a “retaliatory strike” on Kharkiv, after a Ukrainian attack on a Russian base in Makiivka killed 89 Russian troops on New Year’s Day. However, there is no evidence to support either of these claims. Ukraine denies that it attacked the Russian base, and says that the incident was a result of “careless handling of heating devices” by the Russian soldiers. Moreover, Ukraine says that the Russian strike on Kharkiv did not kill any Ukrainian forces, but only damaged some buildings and injured several civilians.
Russia’s claim that the fighters in Kharkiv were mostly French mercenaries is also baseless and contradicted by evidence. The French foreign ministry denied this claim, calling it a “crude Russian manipulation” and saying that France has no “mercenaries” either in Ukraine or anywhere else. The video that Russia released to support its claim shows the aftermath of the strike, but does not show any bodies or identification of the alleged militants. The video also cites a military affairs expert who spoke to Sputnik, a Russian state-owned news agency, and said that Russia targeting several French mercenary fighters in Kharkiv comes as a warning to people thinking about freelancing for the Ukrainian military. The expert said that they should expect to be treated the same as homegrown fighters, implying that Russia will not hesitate to use its firepower against them. However, this expert is not a credible source, as Sputnik is known for spreading propaganda and misinformation on behalf of the Kremlin.
Russia’s strike is part of its strategy to undermine Ukraine and intimidate its allies
Russia’s strike on Kharkiv is not an isolated incident, but part of its ongoing aggression and interference in Ukraine. Since 2014, Russia has annexed Crimea, supported separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, and deployed thousands of troops and weapons along the border. Russia has also violated the Minsk agreements, which were signed in 2015 to end the hostilities and restore peace in the region. Russia has failed to withdraw its forces, release all hostages, and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia’s strike on Kharkiv is also a message to Ukraine’s Western allies, especially France, which is one of the mediators of the Minsk process and a member of the Normandy format, along with Germany and Russia. Russia is trying to sow doubt and discord among Ukraine’s partners, and to deter them from providing more political and military support to Kyiv.
Enough is enough
Russia’s strike on Kharkiv is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and of the international law and norms. It is also a blatant disregard for the human rights and dignity of the Ukrainian people, who have suffered enough from the war.
The international community should not tolerate Russia’s aggression and provocation, and should respond with a strong and united voice and action. The UN Security Council should condemn Russia’s strike, and demand that Moscow respects the Minsk agreements and the ceasefire. The EU and the US should coordinate their sanctions and pressure on Russia, and increase their diplomatic and economic support to Ukraine. NATO should enhance its deterrence and defence posture in the region, and provide more security assistance and training to the Ukrainian forces. The OSCE should monitor the situation on the ground, and facilitate the dialogue and the humanitarian aid.
Russia’s strike on Kharkiv is a challenge to the international order and the values that we share. We should not let Russia get away with its lies and violence, and we should stand with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and democracy.
