Ukraine: UN reports at least 536 civilian casualties in 5 days

Read in Google News!

The U.N. has recorded 536 civilian casualties in Ukraine since February 24, 136 of which were fatalities, ohchr.org informs.

“Between 24 February morning and midnight last night, our Office has recorded 536 civilian casualties in Ukraine. These include 136 civilians killed, of whom 13 were children, and 400 civilians injured, among them 26 children”, – mentioned in the press release of the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR).

As reported, most of these casualties were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems, and air strikes.

“These are only the casualties we were able to cross-check, and the real toll is likely to be much higher.”, the U.N. stresses.

As the High Commissioner for Human Rights Liz Throssell has stressed, the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects should be avoided in populated areas, due to the very high risks of indiscriminate and disproportionate impact on civilians.

“We stress the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.”, the U.N. says.

As reported, on February 24, russian President Vladimir putin declared war on Ukraine and launched a large-scale invasion. The russians have been shelling and destroying key infrastructure in Ukrainian cities. The occupiers have been firing on civilians too.

Читай у Google News!