United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned large-scale Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, which reportedly caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and killed or injured dozens of civilians.
UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq stated that Guterres is deeply concerned by the continued escalation of the conflict, which now includes strikes onto the territory of the Russian Federation.
Haq also reported that Guterres condemned recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting several Russian regions that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
According to Haq, these recent attacks follow an alarming pattern of escalating strikes against populated areas, reportedly resulting in a record-level increase in civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure destruction in both Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
The UN deputy spokesman stressed that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are a clear violation of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.
Strikes on infrastructure and civilian casualties
On Thursday, August 6, the conflict in Ukraine reached its 1,624th day.
In northeastern Ukraine, the head of the military administration in Balaklia reported that three people were killed during bombardments between Wednesday and Thursday night.
In Russia, local authorities stated that a Wildberries e-commerce logistics center in the Tver region, approximately 180 km from Moscow, was slightly damaged.
Russia announced that it shot down 605 Ukrainian drones during the night.
Slap for the Russians
President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed that a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, 700 km from the front, was attacked, while stating that other strikes hit a refinery more than 1,300 km from the front.
Maritime security and global food supplies
The UN expressed concern regarding growing risks to maritime security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, warning of potential consequences for global food supplies.
A Guinea-Bissau flagged vessel carrying Ukrainian wheat was struck by Russia in the Black Sea, causing a fire and one death.
Haq stated that Guterres urged all parties to ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and to protect civilian ports and maritime infrastructure.
Call for de-escalation and diplomatic movements
Guterres called for an urgent de-escalation leading to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, as well as a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace in line with international law.
