UN Strongly Condemns Russian Attacks on Humanitarian Convoy in Kherson Region
The international community has responded vigorously to yet another violation of international humanitarian law occurring in Ukraine.
The United Nations officially condemned the attack by Russian forces on a humanitarian convoy in the Kherson region, which was delivering critically needed aid to local residents.
According to Matthias Shmale, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, the incident occurred while humanitarian vehicles marked with UN logos were being unloaded and came under enemy fire.
As a result, two trucks operated by the World Food Programme were destroyed when hit by a drone equipped with an FPV camera, and caught fire.
Fortunately, no humanitarian workers were injured.
This incident underscores the increasing dangers of delivering aid in conflict zones.
Shmale stressed that civilians, especially in frontline communities, remain without support due to ongoing attacks.
He called on the international community to intensify efforts to protect civilians and humanitarian missions, emphasizing that compliance with international humanitarian law is a crucial obligation.
Additionally, he reported that in Paris, the seventh humanitarian convoy destined for Ukraine was dispatched, aiming to strengthen aid delivery efforts.
It is vital to highlight that, under international humanitarian law, aid workers must be protected from attacks, and safeguarding civilians should be a priority.
There has been a rise in drone attacks in the Kherson region, posing further threats to civilians.
The coordinator urged for an immediate cessation of such strikes, emphasizing the importance of secure aid delivery and strict adherence to international norms.
Recall that on May 12, Russian forces struck a private residence in Bilozerka, resulting in a 10-year-old girl being trapped under the rubble — another tragic example of the devastating impact of the conflict on Ukraine’s civilian population.