In a highly tense situation, the White House has unequivocally stated that it does not support attacks launched inside Russia. The statement came in response to two recent drone strikes that resulted in property damage in Moscow. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that, as a general principle, attacks on foreign soil are not condoned by the United States.
“This is a war that Russia started. This is their war,” Jean-Pierre declared. “And they can end it at any time by withdrawing forces from Ukraine instead of launching brutal attacks on civilians.”
Drone Strikes from Ukraine
Russia reacted strongly to the drone strikes, branding them as acts of terror and vowing to retaliate harshly. However, the US stood firm, underscoring that Russia’s invasion lies at the heart of the ongoing conflict.
The attack on Moscow represented a significant escalation in the use of drones, with one of the drones striking near the Russian defence headquarters. Fortunately, there were no casualties in this incident, but the symbolic impact was clearly felt and raised concerns about the increasing range and striking power of such drone attacks.
In response to the aggression, a senior Ukrainian official warned that there would be more attacks, exacerbating tensions in the region.
Security Concerns in Black Sea Amid Russia-Ukraine War
The situation has also raised security concerns in the Black Sea, with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis expressing apprehension about the potential risks to the region’s stability.
The conflict’s devastating impact on civilians was evident as Kyiv reported a drone attack that destroyed Ukrainian grain warehouses on the Danube River, causing injuries to seven people. Social media footage from Romania showed an explosion just across the Danube, indicating that the drones had targeted the Ukrainian port of Reni.
The Danube Delta region, shared by Romania and Ukraine, is critical for exporting Ukrainian grain, making it a strategic location in the ongoing conflict.
Addressing the situation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, reaffirming the US commitment to defending every inch of NATO territory. The statement was made in response to the attack on the Romanian border near Reni, highlighting the severity of the situation and the potential for further escalation.
In Ukraine: “Special Military Operation”
Despite international pressure and condemnations, the Kremlin remains steadfast in its resolve to continue its “special military operation” in Ukraine. While Russia defends its actions as necessary measures in response to perceived threats, Kyiv and much of the international community view it as an aggressive war of conquest.
The latest incident witnessed a swarm of 17 drones launching attacks on Crimea, which was annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The drones struck an ammunition warehouse and damaged a residential building, adding to the growing list of incidents that have deepened the hostilities in the region.
As tensions continue to escalate, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The US has urged Russia to end the war by withdrawing its forces, emphasizing that this would be the most effective path to de-escalation and regional stability. However, with both sides remaining steadfast in their positions, the path to peace remains uncertain.