Humanitarian organizations warn of Russian retribution against Ukrainian troops: Live updates
USA TodayDec 27, 2021
Day 86 Roundup: Donbas Bombardment Continues, Russia Claims Full Control of Mariupol
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Image copyright: Ukrainian State Emergency Service/AFP [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
Zelenskyy has said that Russia's renewed offensive on the Donbas region has turned it into "hell" and left it "completely destroyed." In his nightly address on Fri., the Ukrainian president said Moscow should be held financially responsible and made to pay compensation for the destruction.
Meanwhile, Russia has now claimed full control of Mariupol, stating that the last 500 Ukrainian forces holed up in the Azovstal steelworks plant surrendered on Friday. This brings the total number to have surrendered since Mon. to 2,439, according to Russia's defense ministry.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.
