DISINFO: Accusations that Russia damaged foreign embassies in Kyiv are unfounded
SUMMARY
Attempts by Ukraine and the West to hold Russia responsible for damaging diplomatic buildings in Kyiv are unfounded. This is how Ukraine and the West are trying to shift attention away from their terrorist attacks. The problems for diplomats are caused by the unprofessional use of Western air defence systems by Ukrainians, while Russian missiles exclusively target military facilities.
RESPONSE
This case may contain graphic content.
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing Ukraine of war crimes and trying to portray Russia as a peace-loving country. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in particular, the events of 20 December 2024, when Ukrainian officials reported that Moscow had launched a fresh missile attack on Kyiv, damaging a building hosting several embassies.
As HRVP Kaja Kallas stated on X:
"Russian missiles damaged the Portuguese Embassy in Kyiv. No diplomatic representation should ever be targeted or even impacted. This is another barbaric attack by Russia on civilian targets that shows no willingness for peace. I extend my full solidarity to diplomatic staff."
Russia, as the aggressor and initiator of missile attacks on Ukraine, bears all responsibility for the consequences of these attacks. Even if damage may sometimes result indirectly from Ukraine's defensive actions, it is a direct consequence of Russia's missile strikes.
Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russian attacks, and deploying air defences in or near urban areas is often necessary to protect civilians. Once again, any misfires or debris from interceptions which can unintentionally harm civilian infrastructure are entirely Russian responsibility.
The claim that Russian missiles always target military facilities is also false. There have been numerous cases when Russian forces have hit civilian infrastructure such as schools, churches, residential areas, and other non-military sites.
On 8 July 2024, Russia launched a massive missile attack on Ukrainian cities killing dozens people. One missile hit Okhmatdyt, a major children's hospital in central Kyiv, which carries out cancer treatment and organ transplants. The strike destroyed a ward where children with severe kidney issues were undergoing haemodialysis, a procedure to filter wastes and water from blood if kidneys are damaged. In Syria, Russia’s air force systematically bombed hospitals and medical facilities in rebel-held areas as a war strategy.
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