UN: "Russian Retaliatory Strikes Targeting Civilians May Violate International Humanitarian Law"

On the 10th (local time), Russia launched a missile strike on Ukraine, causing a fire in a vehicle in the city of Kyiv (Kiev). [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The United Nations has raised the possibility that Russia violated international humanitarian law by launching missile attacks across Ukraine, including Kyiv, in retaliation for the explosion incident on the Krim Bridge (Crimea Bridge).

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated in a press release on the 11th (local time), "The Russian military attacked across Ukraine with missiles, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring more than 100," and criticized, "It is shocking that the airstrikes occurred during commuting hours in the morning."

OHCHR expressed serious concern that "some of the Russian military attacks targeted civilian infrastructure," reporting that "dozens of residential buildings and more than 12 energy facilities, among many essential civilian infrastructures, were destroyed across eight regions." It added, "Such attacks may have violated the 'principle of distinction' stipulated in international humanitarian law," pointing out that "attacking civilians and facilities and objects indispensable for their survival violates the principle of distinction and is prohibited under international humanitarian law."

OHCHR also warned, "The bombing damage to major power plants and power lines ahead of winter is expected to adversely affect civilians' lives," urging, "Russia must refrain from further airstrikes and take all measures to prevent damage to civilian facilities." Furthermore, it stated, "We will continue human rights monitoring activities in Ukraine," and "We will verify information on civilian casualties and document cases of violations of international humanitarian law across Ukraine."

On the 8th (local time), a fire caused by an explosion occurred on the Crimean Bridge connecting the Crimean Peninsula and mainland Russia. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Russia pointed to Ukraine as the party behind the explosion incident on the Krim Bridge on the 8th and launched large-scale retaliatory airstrikes across Ukraine on the 10th. As a result, at least 20 people have died and over 100 have been injured as of the previous day, with major infrastructure such as power plants and water facilities heavily damaged.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that "the Krim Bridge explosion was a terrorist act orchestrated by Ukrainian special forces," and warned, "If such incidents continue on our territory, Russia's response will be severe," thereby admitting that the airstrikes were carried out by Russia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.