UN urges immediate de-escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine after deadly strikes

Deadly strikes hit residential buildings in Ukraine and a Russian border region on Tuesday as waves of aerial attacks also wounded dozens

‘Alarming escalation of hostilities. International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks,’ the office of UN rights chief Volker Turk said

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A fire caused by falling rocket debris rages at a pipeline in the Podilskyi district of Kyiv after a Russian missile attack on Tuesday. Photo: Ukrinform/dpa

Published: 5:42am, 3 Jan 2024Updated: 8:56am, 3 Jan 2024

UN human rights chief Volker Turk called on Tuesday for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine as his office voiced alarm at the intensification of attacks.

Deadly strikes hit residential buildings in Ukraine and a Russian border region on Tuesday as waves of aerial attacks also wounded dozens and prompted Kyiv to urge speedier Western weapons shipments.

“Alarming escalation of hostilities, dozens of civilians killed in Ukraine and Russia. International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilian objects,” the United Nations Human Rights Office said on X, formerly Twitter.

“Volker Turk urges immediate steps to de-escalate, ensure protection of civilians and respect international law.”

UN human rights chief Volker Turk at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Photo: EPA-EFE

The bombardment mainly of Kyiv and northeastern Kharkiv came less than 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to step up strikes following an unprecedented Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod that killed 25 civilians.

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