Ukrainian ambassador says Russia has been using drones against "completely civilian targets"
Ukrainian ambassador says Russia has been using drones against "completely civilian targets"
Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., tells “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that Russia’s most recent overnight drone attack in Kyiv was against “completely civilian targets.” “Every day, regardless of what Russia says, there are some attacks and there are civilian casualties,” Markarova said.
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Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article presents a statement by the Ukrainian ambassador claiming Russia targets "completely civilian targets" with drones. While the article accurately quotes the ambassador, the claim itself is difficult to verify completely with the provided sources. The sources do not directly confirm or deny the claim, but one source mentions Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, which introduces a degree of complexity. The article exhibits moderate bias by presenting the ambassador's statement without immediate counter-perspective or independent verification.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** Russia has been using drones against "completely civilian targets."
- Verification Source #1: Mentions Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow. This doesn't directly confirm or deny Russia targeting civilian targets in Ukraine, but it does suggest both sides are using drones and potentially targeting each other's territories, which could include civilian areas.
- Verification Source #2: Discusses the movement of UAVs to Russia, potentially for use in Ukraine, but does not specify targets.
- Verification Source #3: Describes US and Britain strikes in Yemen, irrelevant to the claim.
- Verification Source #4: Discusses US counterterrorism strategy, irrelevant to the claim.
- Verification Source #5: Discusses Philippine police killings, irrelevant to the claim.
- Analysis:* The claim is not directly verified or contradicted by the provided sources. The statement is attributed to the Ukrainian ambassador, which is factually accurate reporting. However, the claim itself lacks independent verification within the provided sources. The Reuters article (Verification Source #1) about Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow introduces a degree of complexity, as it suggests both sides are potentially involved in attacks that could affect civilian areas.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #1: "Ukraine launches drone attacks targeting Moscow Russia says" - This suggests that Ukraine is also using drones and potentially targeting areas within Russia, which could include civilian areas. This doesn't directly contradict the ambassador's statement, but it adds context.
- Lack of Coverage:* The provided sources do not offer direct evidence to either support or refute the claim that Russia is exclusively targeting "completely civilian targets."