The Kremlin on Monday cited security concerns for denying UN officials travel to areas hit by the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine.
On Sunday, the United Nations criticized Moscow for its lack of access to Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, especially where civilians are trapped “among the devastating destruction” due to the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, which Moscow and Kiev blame each other for. another.
Denise Brown, coordinator for UN humanitarian teams, said in a statement that UN officials have been in contact with authorities in Kiev and Moscow to ensure access to civilian populations facing shortages of clean water, food and energy.
Brown urged the Russian authorities to “act in accordance with the obligations that must be fulfilled in accordance with the laws of international humanitarian law.”
This Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not explicitly acknowledge that Russia had blocked access to the UN, but spoke of a “lack of security” due to military attacks in Kyiv.
“There were constant shelling, as well as provocations. Civilian objects and the population fell under shelling. People died. Therefore, it is really very difficult to guarantee security,” Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman’s remarks come at a time when, according to the US news agency The Associated Press (AP), survivors of the dam collapse are criticizing the lack of aid in Russian-controlled territories.
The dam is located on the Dnieper River, on the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces on the east and west banks, respectively.
According to the AP, many victims of the flood caused by the dam burst accuse Russia “of doing little to nothing to help.”
On the Ukrainian side, according to the same sources, rescuers are confronted by Russian snipers who are in a hurry to take Ukrainian civilians out of the flood zones.
Photographs taken by unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and information obtained by the Associated Press suggest that “Moscow had the means, motive and ability to blow up the dam, which was under Russian control, earlier this month.”
The explosion occurred when Ukraine was preparing for a counteroffensive.
Recently, the Kyiv forces have stepped up attacks along the front line.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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