Russia is plotting strikes on civilian targets today, Ukraine’s Independence Day, it was stated yesterday.
The danger was revealed last night in a declassified intelligence assessment from the US State Department.
In a further repugnant step, Russia may use today’s anniversary to begin the trials of Ukrainian POWs, with the accused being forced to watch from cages.
Pictures of the massive steel cages being built inside Mariupol’s philharmonic auditorium, where the trials would take place, have surfaced.
The United Nations denounced the idea of imprisoning troops who were legitimately protecting their country last night.
The decision to free Ukraine from the Soviet Union was approved by the Ukrainian parliament on this day, 31 years ago.
Exactly six months have passed since Russia began its invasion, which was unsuccessful in achieving any of its strategic goals.
The British and US governments once again advised their people to flee Ukraine due to the potential of more Russian assaults on civilian targets.
Additionally, there are worries that Moscow may exploit the murder of Darya Dugina—whose father Alexander was a key aide to Putin—to justify additional assaults.
Downing Street uses flowers to tell it…
A flowery arch painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag is displayed on Downing Street to symbolise the country’s liberation from Soviet domination today.
A number of UK monuments, including Blackpool Tower, the British Library, Cardiff City Hall, and Wembley Arch, will shine blue and yellow in support of Ukrainians.
Due to concerns about Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital, celebrations on the 31st anniversary in Kyiv are prohibited.
As Boris Johnson assured the Ukrainian parliament that the UK will continue to back Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, the warnings were sent.
The annexation of Crimea or “any other Ukrainian land” by Russia, he further maintained, would never be recognised by Britain.
The underlying basis of international law, according to Mr. Johnson, is that no area, no country, may acquire territory or alter boundaries by use of arms. As a result, Mr. Johnson said, “We will never recognise Russia’s takeover of Crimea or any other Ukrainian territory.”
“We must continue to provide our Ukrainian colleagues with all the military, humanitarian, economic, and diplomatic assistance they need in the face of Putin’s attack.”
Any assaults today on Ukrainian land would get a “strong reaction,” according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Public Independence Day festivities have been prohibited in Kyiv and other large cities as a precaution.
In Kharkiv, a curfew was declared, and Ukrainians were urged to work from home nationwide.
According to intelligence sources, trials for the Azov brigade members who were seized in Ukraine might start right now.
Since the conclusion of the Azovstal steelworks’ May siege, the men have been held captive by Russia.
In seized regions of southern Ukraine, pro-Russian insurgents are trying them. They may even present themselves before courts while imprisoned within large steel structures.
Ravina Shamdasani, a UN representative for human rights, said last night: “We are really worried about the manner this is being done.” She said, “This is not acceptable, this is humiliating,” in reference to the cages.
According to Mr. Zelensky’s advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, “The trial of the captive defenders marks yet another Russian war crime.” They are soldiers who legitimately defended their nation.