The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Mathias Schmale, strongly condemned the Russian missile and drone attacks that hit Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia and other cities last night, causing civilian deaths and massive destruction.
This was stated in an official statement by Schmale.
According to him, civilians have once again experienced a night of violence: “Kyiv residents have suffered terrible blows. More than ten people were killed and more than 50 were wounded. Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, including children’s institutions, were destroyed.” It is particularly outrageous that a kindergarten and a centre for children with special needs were among the damaged facilities in Odesa.
He stressed that the shelling in Zaporizhzhia had again hit residential areas, forcing families to hide in their homes.
Schmale also stressed that local emergency services and humanitarian organisations are already providing assistance to the victims, including medical support, humanitarian aid and identifying needs for the future.
“The people of Ukraine should not have to hide in shelters every day. We must not normalise the war. Attacks on civilians are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Children and civilians should not be targeted,” the UN coordinator said.
