Russia captures more territory as it expands battle in eastern Ukraine
PBS NewsHourSep 09, 2022
Day 95 Roundup: Ukraine Reports Gains Near Kherson; Explosions in Kharkiv After Zelenskyy Visit
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Image copyright: Maxar Technologies/Reuters [via CBS News]
The Facts
On Sun., Ukraine's military reported that it initiated a counter-offensive against Russian forces in the south, and claimed advances in the direction of Kherson. Ukrainian officials report that exits to Kherson are being blocked by Russian forces making it "impossible to leave" the region.
Meanwhile, multiple explosions have been heard in Kharkiv following a visit by President Zelenskyy, who made his first trip outside of the Kyiv region since the start of the conflict.
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.
