UN says Russian strikes on Ukraine 'latest in series of escalating attacks'

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Russia's overnight strikes across Ukraine represent the latest in a series of escalating attacks that have compounded civilian misery across the country, the UN warned Friday.

"Today's appalling assaults were only the latest in series of escalating attacks by the Russian Federation," Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council.

"We have continued to see daily reports of attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns, including on critical civilian and energy infrastructure, with many resulting civilian casualties," he added.

Russia launched overnight Friday an unprecedented wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine that included nearly 160 strikes across the eastern European country. Of the 158 attacks that targeted critical infrastructure and military facilities, 114 were intercepted, Kyiv said.

At least 31 people were killed and over 150 others were injured, while rescue operations remain ongoing, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The UN has confirmed some 29,113 civilian casualties in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022.

Khiari maintained that the true toll is "likely considerably higher," stressing that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms today's appalling attacks on cities and towns across Ukraine.

"Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must stop immediately," he said.

Also addressing the council, deputy US envoy John Kelley said Russia's latest attacks "are likely a harbinger of what the Kremlin has in store for the people of Ukraine in 2024."

"This attack is yet another warning of what is at stake. It shows us why the international community must continue to support Ukraine. It shows us why the international community must continue to demand Russia cease its aggression and immediately withdraw from Ukraine's internationally recognized territory," he added.