Moscow, 19 March 2022 (TDI): The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of “war crimes.” He did so in a call with the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
President Putin enunciated that Russia was doing everything possible to avoid civilian casualties in the country. He told the French President that the Russian army was “doing everything possible to safeguard the lives of peaceful civilians”
These also include organizing humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians. Both leaders also deliberated upon the ongoing talks between Moscow and Kyiv in order to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia appreciated the “French initiative” to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During the phone call, the Russian President drew the attention of his french counterpart towards the war crimes perpetrated daily by the Ukrainian forces.
President Putin also pointed out the massive rocket as well as artillery attacks on the cities of Donbas.
Russia-Ukraine Crisis
The attention of the entire world is fixated on Russia and Ukraine ever since, on 24th February, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine. Russia also recognized the Republics of the Luhansk and Donetsk, much to the West’s chagrin.
The Donetsk and Luhansk are a part of the Donbas region that is pro-Russia territory. One of the main issues of contention between Russia and the EU/US is NATO’s beefed-up defenses in northeastern Europe and Ukraine’s intent to join NATO.
According to Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s stance regarding Ukraine is a matter of principle. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Russia and the West had been engaged in a diplomatic tussle related to Ukraine.
The West kept accusing Russia of a military buildup on the border of Ukraine whilst Russia kept objecting to NATO’s expansionist agenda that is considered a threat to its strategic security.
Consequently, tensions escalated between the two countries and Russia is not willing to compromise on what it considers its national interest.
