Ukrainian lawmaker calls latest deadly Russian attacks war crimes

A Ukrainian politician has accused Russia of committing war crimes and genocide against civilians after a targeted attack killed 33 people. Euronews reported that Yulia Klymenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, said Russia is waging a campaign against civilians because it cannot achieve anything on the front line. [1]

According to Euronews, Klymenko stated that Ukraine must respond by strengthening its air defence capabilities and resuming peace talks. The strikes follow earlier nationwide Russian bombardment targeting civilian areas and infrastructure across Ukraine. [1]

The latest reported assault follows separate strikes that hit Ukrainian internet infrastructure. DW reported that Russian forces have been systematically targeting Ukraine's data centres since early September, putting the physical buildings housing digital servers in the crosshairs. [2]

Experts cited by DW noted that while the attacks could make online services more expensive, Ukraine's internet system remains too robust to be shut down entirely by the strikes. [2]

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 in a major escalation of the conflict that began in 2014. Russian troops currently occupy roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. [9]