Deadly Air Raids Damage Blood Transfusion Center and University in Ukraine,Global Leaders Meet in Saudi Arabia to Pursue Peace

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates,Blood Bank and University Targeted _1080p

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The tension between Russia and Ukraine has reached a critical point, with both sides escalating attacks and causing significant damage and casualties. In a deadly air raid, a blood transfusion center and a university in Ukraine suffered severe destruction. The attack came as Kyiv struck a Russian tanker in the Black Sea, further intensifying the hostilities.

Blood-bank, university hit as Russia, Ukraine intensify attacks https://t.co/MWHlLzFxFF
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 6, 2023

During this period of heightened conflict, representatives from 40 countries, including China, India, and the United States, gathered in Saudi Arabia for a two-day summit to discuss a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The summit aimed to find a way forward, but no final declaration was expected.

Blame and accusations flew in the aftermath of the attacks. Ukrainian officials pointed fingers at Russia for targeting the blood center in Kupiansk, resulting in a tragic loss of life and injuries. In retaliation, Moscow-installed officials accused Kyiv of using cluster munitions to damage a university in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attack on Kupiansk, labeling it a “war crime,” and called for accountability. While the precise number of casualties was yet to be disclosed, Zelenskyy revealed that Russian forces employed a “guided aerial bomb” in the assault.

The conflict further escalated as Donetsk witnessed a university building engulfed in flames due to Ukrainian shelling. The region faced a series of attacks, including one on a key Ukrainian aeronautics facility belonging to Motor Sich, which manufactures vital aircraft components.

The situation took a dangerous turn when Kyiv targeted the Russian tanker SIG in the Black Sea, leading to disruptions on the Kerch Bridge and ferry transport. Ukrainian authorities claimed the tanker was supplying fuel to Russian forces involved in the conflict, while Russia denounced the incident as a “terrorist attack” and vowed retaliation.

Amidst the escalating violence, a two-day summit in Jeddah aimed at seeking a peaceful resolution commenced without Russia’s participation. Ukraine sought support from Global South countries beyond its traditional Western allies to address the widespread impact of the war on the global economy.

President Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of restoring the rules-based international order and advocated for bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit. China and India’s participation in the meeting carried significance due to their economic ties with Russia and their previous reluctance to take sides in the conflict.

Though no joint statement emerged, Saudi Arabia proposed a plan for further talks, focusing on critical issues such as global food security, nuclear safety, and prisoner releases. The participants acknowledged the importance of upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in any potential peace settlement.

As the world continues to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine, diplomatic efforts persist in search of a lasting solution to end the devastating conflict and restore stability in the region.