LONDON (Chatnewstv.com) — Britain, the European Union and 26 EU member states on Friday condemned Russia’s latest large-scale missile strikes against Ukraine, calling the attacks on civilians and diplomatic premises a violation of international law and a potential war crime.
“On 27 August, Russia launched yet another large-scale attack on Kyiv and many other Ukrainian cities killing at least twenty-three civilians including four children and injuring many more,” the joint statement said. “We extend our condolences, stand in solidarity with all Ukrainians and strongly condemn Russia’s ongoing assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which are a deliberate escalation and undermine efforts toward peace.”
The strikes damaged the buildings of the EU delegation in Kyiv and extensively hit the British Council offices, injuring a security guard. “Endangering the lives of diplomats and diplomatic personnel is a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” the statement said.
The UK, EU and supporting countries said intentional attacks on civilians and non-military targets “are war crimes” and vowed accountability for “all commanders, perpetrators and accomplices of these grave violations of international humanitarian law.”
“These crimes only reinforce our determination and resolve to support Ukraine and its people in their defence against Russia and their pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace,” the statement read. It added that the EU would accelerate work on a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow.
The signatories said Ukraine has committed to a “full and unconditional ceasefire” since March, while accusing Russia of escalating its strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“Russia must stop the killing and show genuine willingness for peace,” they said.
