Russia Bombards Ukrainian Train Station on Independence Day... 65 Civilians Killed or Injured

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russia has launched an airstrike on a train station in Ukraine, which was celebrating its Independence Day, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, drawing widespread criticism from the international community.

According to the Associated Press on the 24th (local time), during a United Nations Security Council meeting held at the UN Headquarters in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a video speech stating, "A train waiting at Chaplyne Station in central Ukraine was hit by Russian military rockets, killing 15 and injuring 50," adding, "This is something we experience routinely. Russia carried out the attack to coincide with this Security Council meeting."

The Russian side vehemently denied any attacks on civilians and challenged President Zelensky's video speech. Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's ambassador to the UN, opposed Zelensky's video address, arguing that Security Council rules require in-person attendance. However, among the 15 Security Council members, only Russia voted against it, and China abstained, allowing President Zelensky's video speech to proceed.

President Zelensky also addressed the issue of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He asserted, "Russia must unconditionally cease its nuclear intimidation and immediately withdraw its troops from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," and insisted, "Control of the Zaporizhzhia plant must be handed over to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)." He further warned, "If Russia is not stopped now, its murderers will invade Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the entire world."

Ant?nio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General attending the Security Council meeting that day, also condemned Russia, stating, "Today marks a sad and tragic milestone in the six months of the Ukraine war," and warned, "The escalating tensions surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant could lead to self-destructive consequences."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.