UPDATE 3 - 25 killed in shelling of Russian-controlled city of Donetsk

UPDATES WITH UN CHIEF'S CONDEMNATION

By Burc Eruygur and Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least 25 people were killed and 20 others injured on Sunday due to shelling in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, which is currently under Russian control.

"At the moment, information about 25 deaths has been confirmed. At least 20 more people were injured, including two children in moderate condition," Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed head of the Donetsk region, said on Telegram.

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the incident, and accused Ukraine and the West of committing a "barbaric terrorist act," saying that those involved will "suffer inevitable punishment."

Indicating that the Investigative Committee began a probe, the ministry claimed the shelling was carried out from the city of Avdiivka, which is under Ukrainian control, with "weapons supplied by the West."

"Russia calls on all responsible governments and relevant international structures to strongly condemn this brutal terrorist attack," the statement said, adding that the attack demonstrates Ukraine's "lack of political will for peace and resolving the conflict through diplomatic methods."

Both Moscow and Kyiv have exchanged accusations over airstrikes against each other that intensified in late December.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "strongly condemned" the attack, according to his spokesperson.

"The secretary-general strongly condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including today’s shelling of the city of Donetsk in Ukraine," the spokesperson said, adding: "Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must stop immediately."