Mutual accusations between Russia and the West over Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra incident claims
Moscow, June 16 (Hibya) - Russia criticized statements by French President Emmanuel Macron and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who blamed Moscow for the fire at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, claiming that the incident may have been caused by Ukraine’s Patriot air defense system. French and Ukrainian sides, however, present different assessments of the event.
There has been an exchange of statements between Russia and Western countries regarding the fire and damage at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyiv.
The Russian side described as “baseless” the statements by French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accusing Russia of responsibility.
According to Russian Defense Ministry sources, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex may have been struck due to Ukraine’s US-made Patriot air defense system. It is also claimed that some ammunition supplied by Western countries may have exceeded its service life, causing system failure.
Western leaders and Ukrainian authorities had previously blamed Russia for the incident. The Ukrainian side stated that attacks on religious and cultural sites are unacceptable, while France stressed the need for an international legal assessment of the incident.
Amid mutual accusations, calls for independent verification and investigation continue.
British News Agency
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