UN nuclear watchdog’s safety concerns rise as fighting intensifies near Ukraine plant
PBS NewsHourDec 24, 2022
Russia Steps Up Attacks on Ukraine Ahead of Victory Day Parade
Image copyright: Reuters [via New York Post]
The Facts
Russia continued to step up attacks against Ukraine on Monday, launching a wave of drone, missile and air strikes into Kyiv and the regions of Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine's military said Russia launched 16 missiles, 61 air strikes and 52 rocket salvos, adding that it destroyed all 35 drones that Russia had deployed.
In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said five civilians were injured by falling drone debris. Meanwhile, one civilian was killed and another was reportedly injured in Zaporizhzhia. Nine civilians were reported injured in Kherson, while a further seven were reported injured in Kharkiv. Two civilians were also reported injured in Donetsk where fighting has remained constant throughout the conflict.
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Unfortunately, Russia has to deal with a state that condones acts of terrorism. For this reason, Moscow has to take precautionary measures to protect civilians such as, in this case, cancelling the march of the Immortal Regiment. People have instead been urged to celebrate in other ways, so that the historic day can be appreciated while security is upheld.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine lost eight million people in the period 1939 to 1945, and it will not have its contribution to the defeat of Nazis erased. Many countries fought in the anti-Hitler coalition and Ukraine will not allow Russia to appropriate the historical narrative surrounding Hitler's defeat for its own purposes. Kyiv and the West are today engaged in a fight against evil that echoes the 20th century battle against facism in Germany.
Metaculus Prediction
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
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