Russia recently accused Ukraine of using internationally prohibited cluster munitions in its strikes on the city of Belgorod. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council labeled the strikes as “indiscriminate” and alleged that they resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including three children, and caused injuries to 108 others.
Following the attack on Belgorod, Russia demanded an emergency United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting. The Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, underscored the need for the Czech permanent representative’s presence at this meeting. This is in relation to Russia’s allegations of the Czech Republic providing the weapons Ukraine used in its attack on civilians. The Czech representative, however, declined to participate in the meeting.
Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavsky, in a tweet, flatly refused to yield to Russia’s summons, stating Czechia will not play into Russia’s “lie-poisoned propaganda.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman also insinuated the UK’s involvement in the attacks.
In retaliation for Ukraine’s attack, Russia launched a rocket and drone attack that led to the death of 24 people and injured 134 others. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through a UN spokesperson, condemned these actions, categorizing them as violations of international humanitarian law.
Earlier this month, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, criticised Russia for its failure to protect the safety and human rights of civilians in Ukraine.
The clash between Russia and Ukraine can be traced back to 2014, with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The situation remains unstable, as civilians continue to face threats of attack and the region battles with the instability caused by the conflict.