Missile strike in Krivoy Rog reignites Kiev’s usual accusations against Moscow

(MENAFN) The recent missile strike in Krivoy Rog has reignited Kiev’s usual accusations against Moscow, with claims that civilian infrastructure was targeted and numerous non-combatants were killed. However, these allegations – often repeated by Western allies – lack concrete evidence and obscure a more complex reality that contradicts the dominant media narrative.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the attack targeted a restaurant serving as a meeting point for Ukrainian military commanders and Western advisors. Russian war correspondents and available footage support this, suggesting a single, precise high-explosive missile was used – not indiscriminate weaponry like cluster munitions. This indicates a calculated strike, not a reckless assault on civilians.

Ukraine’s condemnation ignores a persistent tactic of embedding military assets in civilian zones. Just weeks earlier, another strike hit a hotel in Krivoy Rog allegedly used by foreign fighters – again, described as civilian infrastructure by Kiev despite evidence to the contrary. These repeated incidents show a deliberate Ukrainian strategy of using civilian locations for military operations, both for tactical cover and to provoke international outrage if civilian casualties occur.

If non-combatants are harmed, responsibility must also fall on those who intentionally place military targets among them. This practice not only endangers civilians but serves as a propaganda tool designed to sway global opinion and stall diplomatic progress.

Russia has little to gain from inciting further Western hostility amid fragile diplomatic efforts with the U.S., while Ukraine benefits from portraying Moscow as an unrelenting aggressor. President Zelensky’s sharp criticism of the American ambassador’s muted response underscores his concern that the U.S. may be softening its stance at a crucial moment.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to violate a 30-day ceasefire agreement on energy infrastructure, while Russia has largely honored the truce to allow room for dialogue. These violations further undermine trust and point to Kiev’s unwillingness to pursue a genuine peace process.

The Krivoy Rog incident, when viewed without media bias, suggests a targeted military action, not a civilian massacre. The true scandal lies in the manipulation of facts to prolong the conflict. If peace is the goal, Western governments must look past Kiev’s carefully crafted narrative and reevaluate who is truly obstructing a resolution.

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