Immediately after the end of the Christmas ceasefire declared by Russia, which was not actually a ceasefire, Russian artillery and air forces struck again in eastern Ukraine. According to Moscow, about 600 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in attacks on two barracks in the city of Kramatorsk. A Finnish journalist who went to the buildings found little to no evidence of the many deaths.
Russia’s defense ministry said it was “retaliation” for Ukraine’s attack on a Russian barracks in the Russian-occupied city of Makiyevka earlier this year. According to Russian sources, Ukraine fired on the property on New Year’s Eve and hit it with four missiles. These were rooms in which Russian recruits were housed.
Russian military bloggers later explained that the soldiers were stationed in an unprotected building next to an ammunition depot and within range of Ukrainian missiles. The commanders were heavily criticized for not guaranteeing the safety of the troops. While Kiev spoke of more than 500 dead and many others wounded, Moscow said at least 89 Russians were killed.
While in the case of the Ukrainian figures one has to assume that the number of casualties is also too high, in the case of the “retaliations” it could also be propaganda to boost the morale of one’s own troops. Because there are indications that the attacks did not claim any major casualties. The Ukrainian mayor of the city of Kramatorsk said on his Facebook page on Sunday that no deaths were reported in the attacks. A Finnish journalist went to the premises a little later. It is an empty school and garage complex.
Finnish foreign correspondent: ‘A bit strange’
What Antti Kuronen, foreign correspondent of the Finnish radio station Yle, saw there, he briefly summarized in a few tweets. There were also photos of evidence. Among other things, Kuronen wrote about the school building: “It’s a bit strange that it hasn’t even been locked up. In the morning, the locals didn’t even see rescuers around.” “There is a large crater in front of the school, but there is no direct hit. According to the army, the school was empty,” Kuronen continued.
Even after the local inspection at the garage complex, where a Russian missile also hit, the Finn said: “I must say that I believe my own observations and the Ukrainian information more than the Russian one.” no evidence of such a huge loss to the Ukrainian military.
Russians and Ukrainians exchanged 50 prisoners
Indeed, another prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place on Sunday. “On January 8, as a result of the negotiation process, 50 Russian soldiers in imminent danger were taken back into captivity from the area under the control of the Kiev regime,” the Russian Defense Ministry announced on its Telegram channel on Sunday. Soon after, the Ukrainian side confirmed the exchange. Regular prisoner exchanges now take place between Moscow and Kiev. It is the only area where dialogue between the two warring sides is still ongoing, while negotiations at other levels have stalled.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
