Mutual 'war crime' accusations from Ukraine and Russia: Who hit the school in Kursk?

Russia's Kursk Oblast has been occupied by the Ukrainian army. In the region where clashes intensified last January, a school became the target of an airstrike. While Ukraine claimed the attack was carried out by Russian aircraft, Russia reported that the targeting of the school was a provocation by Ukraine.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed that 84 civilians were rescued in the attack and that the incident was carried out intentionally. Officials reported that the building was completely destroyed and there were numerous casualties. Both sides accused each other of 'committing war crimes'.

Ukraine announced that Russia had carried out an airstrike on a school in the Kursk region, resulting in 4 deaths. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a post on social media that a boarding school, where civilians were preparing to be evacuated, had been targeted.

The Ukrainian President evaluated the attack with the following words:

'Russia is waging war as a state devoid of civilization.'

Zelenskiy denied allegations that Ukraine had a role in the school attack. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that they would share the evidence in their possession with the public in the near future.

RUSSIA'S CLAIM: 'UKRAINE ATTACKED WITH MISSILES'

The Russian Ministry of Defense denied the allegations, noting that the attack was carried out by Ukraine. The ministry stated that missiles launched from the Sumy region were detected by Russian air defense systems.

The ministry's statement included the following:

'This provocation was carried out to conceal the atrocities Kiev has committed in Kursk. Attacking civilian targets once again demonstrates the terrorist nature of the Ukrainian administration.'

This incident, in which both sides blame each other, has further increased tensions in the region. While the claims of the parties have drawn the attention of the international community, demands for an independent investigation have been raised.

News Source: İHA