Zelenskyy on shelling of ICRC mission: World must respond harshly and with principle
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the Russian attack on the humanitarian mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Donetsk region, called on the international community not to remain indifferent.
"In this war, everything is absolutely clear: Russia is evil, Ukraine is protecting life. And if someone wants to hear 'both sides,' then in Russia this is perceived only as permission to continue killing. The world must respond harshly and with principle. We cannot remain indifferent – both countries and international organizations. Only together can the world force Russia to stop this terror and force Moscow to seek peace," Zelenskyy said in a Telegram channel.
As reported, on Thursday, September 12, the Russians fired barrel artillery at the ICRC humanitarian mission, which delivered fuel briquettes for residents of the village of Veroliubivka, Donetsk region. As a result of the shelling, men aged 40, 41 and 48 died on the spot. Two colleagues, aged 35 and 41, received shrapnel wounds and mine-explosive injuries. They were taken to a medical facility. One of the victims is in serious condition.
All the deceased were ICRC staff members and citizens of Ukraine.
Under the procedural leadership of Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, a pretrial investigation has been launched into criminal proceedings on the fact of violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets called on the ICRC to officially and publicly recognize Russia's violation of the Geneva Conventions.