NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken the decision to remove his country from an international accord that prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. This action was formalized by the signing of a decree on Monday.
The agreement in question, known as the 1997 Ottawa Convention, is aimed at prohibiting the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The rationale behind this treaty is the belief that such mines pose a significant threat to civilians even long after conflicts have ceased. While around 160 nations had previously joined this convention, Russia was not among them.
In a statement, President Zelenskyy remarked, “Russia has never been a party to this convention and uses anti-personnel mines extremely cynically… This is the signature style of Russian killers – to destroy life by all methods at their disposal.” Zelenskyy’s words reflect his strong stance on Russia’s actions, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s announcement is not the final step in formally withdrawing from the treaty, however, as Ukraine’s parliament must now vote on the issue.
A Ukrainian doctor treats a soldier injured by shrapnel from Russian explosive drones at a medical stabilisation centre of the 3rd Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. (FLORENT VERGNES/AFP)
The attack was “the most massive airstrike” against Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022, Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine’s air force, told the Associated Press, taking into account both drones and various types of missiles.
Several regions were targeted, including western Ukraine, located far from the front line.
Poland and allied countries scrambled aircraft to ensure the safety of Polish airspace, Poland’s air force said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on. ((Photo by SERGEI ILYIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images))
One person was killed in a drone strike in the Kherson region, according to Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin, while another died when a drone hit a car in the Kharkiv region, its Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. Six people were wounded in Cherkasy, including a child, regional Gov. Ihor Taburets said.
Ukraine’s air force said one of its F-16 warplanes supplied by the West crashed after sustaining damage as it was shooting down air targets, killing the pilot.
Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report
