Russia Strikes Ukraine in Retaliation for Belgorod Attack

Russia Strikes Ukraine in Retaliation for Belgorod Attack
Image copyright: Aug. 7, 2023. Serhii Korovayny/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Russia narrative

Russia is within its rights to punish the organizers and perpetrators of the deadliest attack on its civilians since the start of the special military operation. Ukraine not only allegedly used cluster munitions but also targeted a sports center, an ice rink, and a university. Kyiv's deliberate, indiscriminate attacks against the Russians are testament to Zelenskyy's corrupt and lawless regime, which seeks to kill as many Russians as possible to please its NATO allies.

Pro-Ukraine narrative

Russians want to intimidate Kyiv, but Ukraine is merely defending itself. Putin is paying the price for invading Ukraine and starting the war nearly two years ago. The responsibility for civilian casualties ultimately lays with the war criminal and Russia's incompetent air defense that produced falling fragments over Belgorod. If the Kremlin wants someone to blame for the deaths of Russians in this war, it should start with Putin.

Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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