INTENTIONALLY DIRECTING AN ATTACK AGAINST CIVILIANS OR CIVILIAN OBJECTS IS A WAR CRIME

I am shattered by the news of a series of attacks that today, once again, have left a path of death and destruction in different parts of Ukraine. The despicable attack that a few hours ago hit a populated market in Kostiantynivka, in the Donetsk Region, brutalized civilians in this war-torn community, killing and injuring dozens of adults and children.

It is a truly sad day for Ukraine.

This deeply tragic and unacceptable event is just another example of the suffering that Russia’s invasion inflicts on civilians across the country.

In the south, Russian strikes damaged, also today, schools and homes in Zaporizhizhia, and port and grain infrastructure in the Odesa Region. Repeated attacks on Ukrainian ports are depriving farmers of their livelihoods and the world of affordable food when millions are facing hunger in the poorest countries.  

Intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects or intentionally launching an attack knowing it will cause disproportionate civilian harm is a war crime. International humanitarian law must be respected. The people of Ukraine need this cruel devastation to stop.

***