UN: Civilian Deaths in Ukraine War Have Sharply Increased

The UN Human Rights Office has condemned a series of recent attacks that have caused civilian casualties in both Ukraine and Russia. Thameena Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, emphasized that international humanitarian law protects civilians and civilian infrastructure. "Every such intentional attack is a war crime," Al-Kheetan stated to journalists. The recent escalation has been particularly deadly, with at least 14 people killed on Monday alone due to reciprocal attacks. Russian authorities reported six civilian deaths in the Belgorod region, while Ukrainian officials confirmed at least eight deaths across various regions from Russian strikes. Russia maintains it does not target civilian sites. However, its forces have intensified aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent times. Kyiv, in turn, has bolstered its attacks on Russian territory over the past few months, citing retaliation for the ongoing war. The Ukrainian government frames these actions as responses to the more than four-year conflict, primarily targeting Russia's energy infrastructure. Negotiations to end the war remain stalled, further complicated by U.S.-mediated talks related to the war in Iran, which have taken a backseat. Moscow insists that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the entire eastern Donetsk region, a demand Kyiv rejects.

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Civilian and civilian infrastructure are protected by international humanitarian law. Every such intentional attack is a war crime.