Russia Backs Belarus’ Request for Emergency U.N. Security Council Meeting Over Strike on Bus in Russia’s Bryansk Region

Russia has backed Belarus’ request for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council over the shelling of a bus carrying Belarusian children in Russia’s Bryansk region. Acting Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneeva told reporters.

“Russia has supported Belarus’ request to convene an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council in connection with the deliberate strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on a bus carrying civilian Belarusian citizens, including children. We expect the members of the Security Council to give a principled assessment of this crime against civilians,” Yevstigneeva said, according to Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti.

The bus, carrying Belarusian children travelling to the Russian resort city of Gelendzhik for a holiday, was attacked on June 17, reportedly by a drone in Russia’s Bryansk region. A woman accompanying the group was killed, while eight people, including six children, were injured. Moscow says the bus was attacked by a Ukrainian drone. Kyiv rejects the accusation and describes the incident as an information provocation.