ALL EFFORTS MUST BE TAKEN TO PREVENT FURTHER LOSS OF CIVILIAN LIVES IN UKRAINE

I am appalled by the horrible tragedy that struck Odesa City hours ago when scores of civilians and first responders were killed and injured in attacks by the Russian Federation. 

My thoughts are with their families and with all the residents of Odesa who have already suffered too much from this war.

The attack came in the middle of a busy Friday and was immediately followed by another, impacting rescuers, including a health worker, who rushed to help.

The loss of lives and injuries inflicted on civilians and those selflessly risking their lives to save them is utterly unacceptable. 

International humanitarian law requires the protection of civilian population, and launching an attack knowing that it would be disproportionate is a breach of this law. 

The civilian toll of the Russian Federation's war on Ukraine continues to grow, all efforts must be taken to stop the deaths and suffering of civilians.