Russia's offensive has their homes in its sights, but they can't or won't leave
NBCDec 23, 2022
Day 353: UN Draft Resolution Urges to Keep Ukraine Intact; Russia Strikes Energy Infrastructure
Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via The Guardian]
The Facts
On Saturday, Ukrainian defense officials claimed that its forces shot down 20 Iranian-made drones during a series of overnight attacks following a day of strikes on Friday that they say saw Russia launch over 100 missiles.
According to Ukraine's State Emergency service and the state-owned power utility company Ukrenergo, several thermal and hydroelectric power plants were damaged in the strikes, and the International Atomic Energy Agency reported "instability" at Ukraine's nuclear power plants.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure — unnecessarily increasing the suffering of civilians — amounts to war crimes. This continuing Russian barbarity must be confronted.
Pro-Russia narrative
Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are a direct consequence of the failure of the country's leadership to meaningfully engage in peace talks and its belief that it can defeat Russia on the battlefield. These attacks will stop once a more sober position is reached.