THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR TAKING CHILDREN’S LIVES

I am truly horrified by the news that yet another wave of strikes on war-torn Pokrovsk District, in the Donetsk Region, has killed nearly a dozen of civilians over the past hours. Five of them were children. These were just children who have been killed because of this war.

My thoughts are with the grieving families and the people of Pokrovsk, a place that has seen over last one year some of the worst phases of Russia’s invasion.   

The most recent surge in attacks on populated cities across Ukraine is leaving behind an outrageous number of children, women and men killed and injured, and a trail of loss and destruction. Since 29 December, the UN recorded nearly 120 civilians killed across Ukraine, and just below 480 injured.

Behind each number is a story of immense suffering.  

Indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas are absolutely unacceptable and forbidden under international humanitarian law. This must stop.