Vladimir Putin has provided new explanations regarding the recent shelling of Sum using Russian ballistic missiles, which caused significant destruction and civilian casualties

Chas Pravdy - 21 April 2025 17:10

The Kremlin leader, who recently made this statement, claims that Russia entirely justifies strikes on civilian infrastructure objects if they are used by Ukrainian military forces for military purposes. A week after the attack, which shocked Ukrainian society and provoked a wave of outrage both domestically and internationally, Putin once again tried to justify this terrible assault. According to the Russian leader, the civilian buildings targeted by Russia were deliberate choices, but the selection of these objects was not accidental, as he believes they are used for military activities—specifically, gatherings and meetings of Ukrainian military personnel. He states that the Russian authorities are interested in investigating the situation and are considering the possibility of further dialogue regarding targeted strikes on strategic objects in a bilateral format. The so-called "military object" in the center of Sum, according to him, is supposedly a place where Ukrainian military personnel gathered, including for the purpose of rewarding “criminals from the Kursk region,” whom, according to the Kremlin’s official position, Russia considers criminals and whose activities are deemed terrorist. Putin again emphasizes that such actions should be “examined,” and even suggests the possibility of negotiations to resolve the situation. “The Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to him, are allegedly holding meetings, meetings, celebrating something in restaurants, and drinking vodka. These objects are civilian, but their purpose—gatherings—is military. This issue requires in-depth analysis and possibly bilateral discussion,” he stated. It is evident that these words are part of a new tactic of Kremlin information engagement, attempting to create a scapegoat where none exists and to justify missile strikes on the homes of Ukrainian civilians. Meanwhile, in Kyiv and other cities, such explanations are far from new—Ukrainian military personnel and politicians dismiss them as irresponsible and a threat to civilians. The international community and Ukrainian experts continue to call for an end to such attacks, emphasizing the need to adhere to international humanitarian law and demanding that Russia cease using terror tactics against civilians. Every strike on civilian objects constitutes a violation of international norms and principles of humanity, regardless of the motives that the Kremlin tries to impose.

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