Russia’s missile strikes in Ukraine on Monday, which killed at least 38 people, highlight the savagery of the ongoing invasion, which began on February 24, 2022. According to Ukrainian authorities, the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv was one of the civilian locations targeted, with at least two persons dead. Russia’s assertions of targeting military and industrial bases and blaming Ukraine’s missile defense for civilian center damage are untrustworthy, as Russia’s ongoing bombing attacks in Ukraine have also targeted both military and civilian locations.
The strike occurred on the eve of a NATO summit in Washington, where member countries are set to decide on long-term support for Ukraine, including €40 billion in yearly military contributions. Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signed a security accord with Poland on Monday. The agreement allows Poland to shoot down Russian missiles and drones in Ukrainian airspace. Russia’s attack on civilian centers, while intended to send a message to NATO and Poland, highlights their war masters’ callousness.
In recent months, Russia has expanded its territory. The army have taken control of many settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian soldiers evacuated Chasiv Yar, a strategic hilltop settlement in Donetsk, last week. Despite Ukraine’s fragility, Russia’s capabilities have been questioned due to lack of significant achievements. Ukraine has expanded its drone war beyond the frontline to include the Black Sea and Russia’s territory. Russian ships have been crippled, energy supplies have been targeted with drones, and border regions have been attacked, resulting in civilian and military losses. Two and a half years into the war, neither side seemed to be capable of finding a military solution.
Pushing Russian forces out of the territory they’ve conquered appears to be an impossible task for Ukraine. Russia’s aggression has revitalized NATO, its sworn enemy, which has expanded since the war began and vowed long-term help to Ukraine. A sensible solution is to bring both parties to the table. On Monday, China’s President Xi Jinping urged foreign powers to support discussions. In Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s support for dialogue. Russia’s partners should persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his reckless attacks on Ukraine and engage in constructive discourse. Ukraine’s partners should encourage Kyiv to engage in peace talks to end the conflict.
ABHISHEK VERMA
