Russia Attacks Ukraine: Gun Stores Almost Out of Stock, SA Expresses Concerns
- Russia has mobilised its troops into Ukraine and shot rockets at its ports and cities in a full-scale invasion
- Ukraine's gun stores are almost depleted after the country's parliament passed a law making it legal for non-military personnel to carry firearms
- South Africa has petitioned the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
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KYIV - This morning (21 February), Russia launched an attack on Ukraine by targeting a number of cities and ports with rockets and moving troops in. This is intended to be a full-scale attack.
Yesterday (23 February), Ukraine's parliament passed a law making it legal for civilians to carry weapons. As a result, gun stores in the country are nearly sold out of guns as thousands of Ukrainians wish to arm themself against potential attacks in the future.
The law came hand-in-hand with the declaration of a state of emergency in Ukraine, Business Insider reports. Currently, nearly 400 000 Ukrainians are trained in combat and have the necessary experience.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa worried about the Russia-Ukraine conflict
According to SABC News, Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said that South Africa is worried about the situation between Ukraine and Russia due to its potential global consequences. Pandor has appealed to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
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“The UNSC is the body given the mandate for the maintenance of international peace & security and it must exercise its role fully. As South Africa, we believe all the issues of concern to any of the parties must be addressed in inclusive talks led by the UNSG,” Pandor said.
Pandor is championing a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the conflict in a bid to avoid a war. However, the minister added that Russia's current approach could have devastating outcomes, such as destruction, violence and death.
Reactions to Russia's attack on Ukraine
@whipit07 shared:
"My heart hurts for those in Ukraine. Be safe my fellow human beings."
@HarryButtman said:
"Gosh, imagine waking up to this. Terrible situation."
@bellah8u remarked:
@susietsegay said:
"I was still hoping that, however unlikely, there would be a peaceful solution. Thoughts are with everyone impacted."
@Alice_Amiryan asked:
"How can I stop paying taxes on the maintenance of the Russian army?"
@it_vegard believes:
Ukraine faces Russian invasion, US deploys 3 000 troops but denies intentions of war
In earlier news about this conflict, Briefly News previously reported that Russia has allegedly amassed 70% of the weapons and ammunition it needs to conduct a full-scale invasion. The conflict could result in 50 000 civilian deaths if it goes ahead.
US military intelligence predicts that Russian president Vladimir Putin is planning an attack on Ukraine soon, but the precise date and magnitude is not known at present. However, they added that it could be on the level of a World War Two battle.
US officials are hopeful that the situation can be remedied with a diplomatic solution and that conflict can be avoided altogether. However, there are currently 130 000 Russian troops just outside Ukraine's border.
Source: Briefly News
