(Kyiv) – Ukraine has defended its right to target Russian military sites under international law, responding to President Putin’s remarks about a recent missile strike, emphasizing that Russia only reacted when its own territory was hit.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a firm response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks regarding the use of a medium-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, in an attack on Ukraine. The statement highlights Ukraine’s right to defend itself under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and calls attention to Russia’s delayed reaction to such strikes only when its territory is targeted.
Georgiy Tykhyi, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, stated that the Kremlin’s focus intensified when the conflict crossed into Russian territory, underscoring the double standards in Russia’s stance. Tykhyi remarked, “Putin only began to fuss when military sites within Russia were struck, revealing his acute awareness of the distinction between Russian territory and areas unlawfully seized from Ukraine.”
The comments came in response to Putin’s declaration, made through Russian state media, that Russia had attacked Ukraine by deploying its latest medium-range ballistic missile. Putin claimed the Oreshnik strike was a countermeasure to Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied missiles to target Russia.
Ukraine has consistently stated its right to strike legitimate military targets within Russia, as per international law. Tykhyi reiterated, “Ukraine is exercising its lawful right to self-defense. If Russia suffers consequences for its aggression, it has only itself to blame.”
This exchange underscores the evolving dynamics of the conflict, with Ukraine showcasing its capability to strike beyond the territories temporarily occupied by Russia. Russia, on the other hand, sought to demonstrate its military capabilities with the Oreshnik missile. The strike marked another development in the ongoing confrontation, with no immediate reports of significant impact from the missile’s deployment.
| Event | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Ukraine’s Response | Affirmed its right to target Russian military sites under Article 51 of the UN Charter. |
| Tykhyi’s Statement | Criticized Russia for reacting only when its own territory was struck, contrasting with its actions in occupied areas. |
| Putin’s Claims | Russia launched its newest medium-range ballistic missile, Oreshnik, in response to Western arms used by Ukraine. |
| Broader Context | Ukraine continues to strike targets in occupied territories and Russia, asserting its self-defense rights while facing Russian retaliation. |