Heavy Russian strikes targeted Ukraine on Friday, killing at least 30 people, injuring over 160, and generating worldwide condemnation, including from the US and the United Nations, with UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khiari labelling them “appalling attacks.”
"The (UN) Secretary-General unequivocally condemns, in the strongest possible terms, today's appalling attacks on cities and towns across Ukraine,” Mr. Khiari said at a UN Security Council meeting in New York. "Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable, and must stop immediately."
The extensive series of strikes affected multiple cities including Kyiv, targeting schools, maternity wards, and industrial, military, and civilian buildings, according to Ukrainian authorities. NATO member Poland reported a violation of its airspace by a Russian cruise missile.
The strikes prompted international outrage, with US President Joe Biden urging Congress to “act without further delay” in providing significant aid to Ukraine. The US representative to the UN Security Council, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed sorrow for the “tragic loss of human lives.”
Russia launched 158 drones and missiles against Ukraine, the US diplomat said, adding that President Vladimir Putin’s objective remains unchanged: to annihilate Ukraine and subjugate its people.
