Russia calls for UNSC meeting following Ukraine attack on Belgorod
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Despite the interception of most shells and missiles, the attack which involved the use of prohibited cluster strike munitions resulted in the death of 12 adults and two children, including 108 others wounded.
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In this photo taken from video released by Russia Emergency Situations Ministry telegram channel on Saturday, December 30, 2023, a building damaged after shelling is seen in Belgorod, Russia. (AP)
Ukraine executed an indiscriminate strike on the Russian city of Belgorod, utilizing cluster-mounted Vilkha missiles and shells from a Czech-made RM-70 Vampire multiple-launch rocket system, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Saturday.
"Today, the Kiev regime attempted an indiscriminate combined strike on the city of Belgorod with two Vilkha missiles in a prohibited cluster configuration, as well as Czech-made Vampire MLRS rockets," the ministry said.
Despite most of the shells and missiles being intercepted, some managed to hit the city, resulting in the deaths of 12 adults and two children, with 108 others wounded.
The moment unguided Ukrainian MLRS rockets started killing civilians in the middle of Belgorod.
— What the media hides. (@narrative_hole) December 30, 2023
This is 100% an intentional attack against the population, and it is the true colours of Ukraine that our media isn’t too keen to share. pic.twitter.com/SZpX3sZr5N
Bitter acknowledgment of defeat
The Russian Defense Ministry asserted that Ukraine orchestrated the attack to divert attention from its battlefield defeats and provoke Russian forces into similar actions.
The Belgorod Region government building, medical college, and Belgorod Hotel were damaged in the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed, and a medical team, led by the health ministry's head, along with rescuers from the emergency situations ministry, has been dispatched to provide assistance.
Read more: How the West is 'quietly shifting' its Ukraine strategy: Politico
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged support for restoring damaged infrastructure. Over 100 cars were damaged, with many completely burnt out, and 22 apartment buildings, commercial structures, malls, and retail shops suffered damage, according to Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
We stand with Belgorod! pic.twitter.com/ufGHHXLW6X
— Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) December 30, 2023
Call for meeting at UN Security Council
In response to the attack, Russia has called for a UN Security Council meeting on Belgorod, demanding the participation of the Czech envoy to explain the arms supplies to Kiev.
The meeting is scheduled for 16:00 New York time, Russian Deputy Envoy to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky said on Saturday.
The Belgorod Region government is actively addressing the aftermath, with a focus on assisting affected residents.
"We have requested a meeting of the Security Council on Belgorod for 15.00 New York time (23.00 Moscow time) today, December 30. We also demanded the presence of the Czech Republic's Permanent Representative, so that he could explain himself for his country's supply of ammunition, which is killing civilians," Polyanskiy said.
Read more: Putin: Ukraine war a 'great tragedy' resulting from Western desires
