Russia Blames West for Civilian Deaths in Ukraine Conflict

Since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine last February 24, Moscow has warned the West and its European allies that arming Kiev only exacerbates the conflict rather than ending hostilities. 

RELATED: 
Lisichansk Is Under Control of Russian Troops 

The top Russian diplomat made the remarks at a press conference in Vietnam in the face of recent accusations by Ukrainian presidential aide Mikhail Podoliak that Russian forces are shelling their own cities to accuse Ukraine of such attacks and to disrupt Western arms supplies to Ukraine.

Claiming that the West "must be aware of its responsibility" for civilian deaths, Lavrov said Ukraine is using weapons supplied from abroad to intimidate, which he called "state terror."

According to the foreign minister, actual facts are presented by the Russian Defense Ministry daily. "No matter what Zelensky and his team are saying," "well, in short, they lie," Lavrov said. 

Those Western countries supplying arms to Ukraine have been transparent that such weapons should not be used against Russian territory. Following the outbreak of the conflict, both sides have accused each other of hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure.