Voicing grave concern over reports of civilian deaths in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has said that critical civilian infrastructure in urban areas have become easy targets in situations of armed conflict.
Speaking at the UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine on Tuesday, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador R. Ravindra said the conflict has resulted in the loss of lives and countless miseries for its peoples, particularly for women, children and elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighbouring countries.
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Council that the Russian missile strike on a mall in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk killed 18 civilians and injured 59 and the final toll may be much higher.
"India remains deeply concerned over the situation in Ukraine," Ravindra said.
The Council meeting was also addressed virtually by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, the second time that leader spoke directly to the powerful 15-nation UN organ since the start of the conflict in February.
“Reports of deaths of civilians in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict are deeply disturbing and in this regard, we express our grave concern. In recent years, critical civilian infrastructure in urban areas have become easy targets in situations of armed conflict,” Ravindra said.
India added that the issue of the protection of civilian objects in armed conflicts should be considered within the framework of applicable international law.
