OMM Redaksiyası
The United Nations (UN) has condemned a sharp increase in attacks against civilians in Ukraine. According to the organization, more than 100 people were killed and at least 429 wounded over the course of a week. Russian strikes reportedly targeted residential areas, passenger buses and critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the UN Security Council on Friday, Khaled Khiari, the organization’s Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, said the attacks had reached “a new and horrific level” since the council’s previous briefing on September 23.
“We strongly condemn all attacks against civilians,” Khiari said. He stressed that the escalating violence was taking an increasingly severe toll on ordinary people.
Civilian casualties rise in Ukraine
According to Khiari, civilian casualties have increased significantly this year, with monthly figures exceeding those recorded in the same months of the previous three years.
He said repeated strikes on cities and critical infrastructure were disrupting the daily lives of millions of people. The targets cited included telecommunications networks, food suppliers, retail businesses and logistics companies.
With winter approaching, Khiari called for an immediate end to attacks on energy facilities and residential areas, and urged the protection of vulnerable communities.
Attacks in the Black Sea raise concern
The UN official also expressed concern over rising civilian casualties resulting from Ukraine’s intensified attacks on Russian territory. Citing data from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Khiari said 3,890 civilian casualties were recorded in Russia from January to September. Of those, 496 people were killed and 3,394 wounded.
“All attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur, violate international humanitarian law and must stop immediately,” Khiari said.
He also said the expansion of attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea posed a threat to regional security and international trade. Strikes on ports, grain facilities and agricultural infrastructure were adding pressure to global food prices, he noted.
Khiari urged Russia and Ukraine to take steps to prevent further escalation. Welcoming efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, he stressed the importance of reliable and long-term agreements.
“This growing cycle of attacks against civilians must be stopped before casualties reach a new and devastating level,” the UN official said. He urged both sides to give diplomacy a genuine chance, adding: “It is time to end this war.”
