UN: Russian Attacks on Civilians Violate Humanitarian Law

Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law, according to a statement by a high-ranking representative of the United Nations. According to him, systematic strikes on populated areas of Ukraine do not conform to the fundamental principle of distinction between combatants and civilians, as enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and customary international law.

The statement came against the backdrop of ongoing artillery shelling and missile strikes by Russian armed forces on residential districts of Ukrainian cities and villages. The UN has repeatedly documented deaths and injuries among civilians as a result of such attacks.

The organization reiterated its principled position: all parties to armed conflicts are obligated to comply with humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilian populations. The UN called for an immediate cessation of strikes on civilian infrastructure and for those responsible to be held accountable in accordance with international law.