Ukraine withdraws from anti-personnel mine ban treaty amid Russian attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a bold move on Monday by signing a decree to withdraw his country from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. The treaty, signed by approximately 160 countries, aims to prevent civilian casualties after conflicts end. Zelenskyy justified his decision by accusing Russia of using anti-personnel mines in a cynical and ruthless manner.
The withdrawal from the treaty is not yet final, as Ukraine’s parliament still needs to vote on the issue. This decision comes in the wake of ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine accusing Russia of using landmines in regions liberated by Ukrainian forces, resulting in civilian and military casualties.
Just a day before Zelenskyy’s announcement, Ukraine reported a massive aerial attack by Russia, with 537 aerial weapons fired, including drones, decoys, and missiles. This attack, described as the largest so far in the war, saw 249 weapons shot down and 226 lost, likely due to electronic jamming.
The attack targeted several regions, including western Ukraine, far from the front line. Poland and allied countries scrambled aircraft to protect Polish airspace in response to the aggression. Tragically, the attack resulted in casualties, with one person killed in the Kherson region and another in the Kharkiv region. Six individuals, including a child, were wounded in Cherkasy.
In a devastating blow, Ukraine’s air force reported the loss of an F-16 warplane during the airstrikes, with the pilot losing their life. The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for international support and intervention to protect the people of Ukraine.
As the conflict continues to escalate, it is crucial for the international community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and condemn Russia’s aggressive actions. The world must come together to support the Ukrainian people in their fight for peace and security.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events, contributed to this report. For more updates on the situation in Ukraine, stay tuned to Fox News.
