Russian forces move away from Kyiv after Ukraine launched a series of counter-offensives, and “war crimes” by Russia are unveiled in recaptured cities.
Russian forces have been stalled in their advancement on the Ukrainian capital city, Kyiv, and have been moving troops away from the city. According to a report from CNBC:
“The Russian military has begun to move some of its troops in Ukraine away from the areas around Kyiv to positions elsewhere in Ukraine, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Tuesday, part of a strategic shift in its monthlong invasion of Ukraine.”
The withdrawal of Russian troops from Kyiv came soon after Ukraine had launched a series of counter-offensives against the invading forces.
According to an article from the New York Times (March 24th):
“Ukraine has blown up parked Russian helicopters in the south, and on Thursday claimed to have destroyed a naval ship in the Sea of Azov. Its forces struck a Russian resupply convoy in the Northeast. Western and Ukrainian officials also have claimed progress in fierce fighting around the capital, Kyiv.”
However, even though Kyiv was successfully defended, Kirby says, “Now we think they’re going to prioritize the east”
As Russian forces continue to be pushed out of cities surrounding Kyiv, the brutality of Russian forces becomes increasingly apparent. This morning a spokesperson for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said there were “mass graves filled with civilians,” and others described scenes of brutal executions.
Many leaders have come out in response to the recent uncovering of Russian “war crimes” in Ukraine. President Biden restated his disapproval of Putin’s actions, “This guy is brutal, and what’s happening in Bucha is outrageous, and everyone’s seen it,”
According to the Washington Post, President Biden is seeking further sanctions he can impose on Russia and its allies. This sentiment was supported by both French President Emmanuel Macron and German Defense Minister Cristine Lambrecht.
Russian leaders have since denied the allegations, however satellite images tell a different story. The images from two-weeks ago capture portions of the Ukrianian city, Bucha, when it was still under Russia’s control. According to Rueters, out of the nine images, “at least four of the images appear to show bodies on one of the town’s roads, Yablonska Street.”
These revelations come after several negotiations between the two countries, in which Ukrainain negotiators proposed a peace plan to Russia. The proposed plan stated the Ukraine would remain “nuetral and non-nuclear” and not join NATO. On the other hand, Ukraine wanted a “security system guaranteed by international parters including the United States, Turkey and others… although it would retain the right to join the European Union” according to the Washington Post.
During the negotiations last week, Russia also stated that it was willing to draw back attacks near the cities of Kyiv and Cherniv, although Ukrainian officials were taking the promise lightly
.However, Zelenskyy is now hesitant to talk more with Russian negotiators. “It’s very difficult to talk when you see what they’ve done here,” says Zelenskyy.
This display of ruthlessness by the Russian military is just one of many. Earlier this month, on March 16th, a theatre being used as a civilian shelter in Mariupol was bombed, in which about 300 civialians were killed.
World leaders are looking for a resolution to end the conflict between the neighboring nations; however, an agreement has yet to be made.
The Biden Administration and NATO allies continue to support Ukraine in its defensive efforts by sending humanitarian aid and defensive weapons.