The bodies of 44 civilians were reportedly found on Tues. in the rubble of a building in Izyum that collapsed in March, as residents sheltered from Russian shelling. Rescuers have reportedly only just been able to reach the building as it was in an occupied region of the city. Russia has occupied Izyum since Apr. 1.
Elsewhere, European Council Pres. Charles Michel was forced to take shelter after air raids sounded and Russian missiles struck the city of Odesa while he was on a surprise visit to Ukrainian PM Denys Shmygal on Monday. One person was killed and 5 more were injured, a military spokesperson said on Tuesday.
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.
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking their promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.