Is Ukraine Deliberately Targeting Civilians in Attacks?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Russia claims Ukraine is targeting civilians.
- Recent attacks have resulted in fatalities and injuries.
- Drone strikes are a significant concern.
- Humanitarian implications are severe.
- Military operations are justified by the Russian government.
Moscow, July 24 (NationPress) On Thursday, Russia accused Ukraine of executing intentional assaults against civilians, asserting that seven individuals have lost their lives and over 120 have sustained injuries, including 11 minors, due to shelling and UAV strikes within the past week.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reported, "On July 16, a woman was killed when an enemy drone targeted a private residence in Smorodino; in Novostroevka-Pervaya, a UAV struck a combine harvester in action, injuring the operator; in Pritsepilovka and Novaya Tavolzhanka, three individuals were hurt due to drone attacks."
"Between July 17 and 22, drones targeted five civilian vehicles on local roads, leading to one death and six injuries. On July 20, shelling and a UAV strike in Shebekino resulted in two injuries; a woman was also injured in Togobiyevka. On July 22, a shell obliterated a residential structure in Ilek-Penkovka, injuring a woman and two teenagers," she added.
Zakharova remarked that the Ukrainian military is persistently targeting defenseless Russian citizens engaged in everyday activities.
"On July 22, a drone struck a private bus, killing three civilians and injuring three others. Further injuries were reported from drone strikes on civilian vehicles in Gladkovka and Novaya Kakhovka. Recent reports indicate a Ukrainian drone attack in Sochi, resulting in one woman's death and at least one injury," the Russian diplomat indicated.
"These assaults are not aimed at military forces, personnel, or equipment; rather, they constitute targeted terrorist attacks against civilians," Zakharova emphasized.
She insisted that schoolchildren and preschoolers are also among the victims of these Ukrainian forces, and the Western backers of Ukraine are insistently pushing for increased mobilization amidst extreme violence.
"These facts underscore the necessity of a special military operation aimed at denazifying and demilitarizing Ukraine, aiming to neutralize the threats arising from its territory. The goals will undoubtedly be realized, as repeatedly affirmed by Russian leadership," stated Zakharova.