Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the attacks against Ukraine will be intensified. On December 30, 2023, an airstrike on the city of Belgorod in Russia resulted in the deaths of at least 25 people and more than 100 injuries, according to Russian officials.[i]
Russia described the attack as one of the deadliest since the beginning of the war. During a visit to a military hospital on January 1, 2024, Putin stated, “We will intensify the attacks. Crimes committed against civilians will not go unpunished. That’s for sure.” The Russian leader stated that they would continue to target “military facilities” and added, “We are doing it today, and we will continue doing it tomorrow.”[ii]
Previously, Putin referred to the destruction in Belgorod as a “terrorist attack” and accused Ukrainian forces of targeting the city center “where people walk” before New Year’s Eve. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Ukraine had attacked Belgorod with missiles and rockets. They claimed that most of the weapons were destroyed, but some remnants fell on the city.[iii]
On the other hand, at least five people died in the New Year’s attacks on the Odessa region and the Russian-occupied eastern city of Donetsk. Russian attacks in the western city of Lviv severely destroyed a museum dedicated to Roman Shukhevych, a military commander who fought for Ukrainian independence during World War II. University buildings in the town of Dubliany were also damaged.[iv]
Putin’s reactions and statements regarding the attacks are significant, particularly the use of the term “terrorist attack” and the allegation of targeting civilians. The perception and impact of these statements at the national and international levels are of great importance. The developments following the attack, including attacks on different regions of Ukraine and the resulting casualties, are also mentioned. The reactions of the national and international community to these events, the impact on diplomatic relations, and the developments within the framework of international law are noteworthy.
Perception management and propaganda elements regarding Russia’s attacks on Ukraine attract attention in Putin’s statements. In this context, information warfare, media manipulation and efforts of the parties to influence public opinion can also be examined.
In conclusion, the human rights violations resulting from the attack, particularly civilian casualties, can be emphasized. It is important to assess whether the attacks targeted civilians, whether international law rules were followed, and to evaluate such attacks from a human rights perspective.
[i] “Putin Vows to Intensify Strikes on Ukraine after Deadly Belgorod Attack”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/1/putin-vows-to-intensify-strikes-on-ukraine-after-deadly-belgorod-attack, (Date Accesion: 02.01.2023).
[ii] Ibıd.
[iii] Ibıd.
[iv] Ibıd.
