Brussels, 9 July 2024: I strongly condemn the continued large-scale attacks on several Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure that yesterday targeted Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih and Pokrovsk, among others. These attacks claimed many civilian casualties, with dozens killed and many more injured - our condolences and deepest sympathy go out to all of them and the Ukrainian people. The direct missile attack on Okhmatdyt, Ukraine's largest children's hospital was particularly cruel, cynical and barbaric.
Putin's Russia is waging its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against innocent civilians and children with missiles, drones and gliding bombs. By intentionally targeting civilians and critical civilian infrastructure in repeated large-scale attacks, Russia is terrorising Ukraine's population and demonstrates its utter disrespect for international humanitarian law and disregard for the opinion of the international community. All perpetrators and accomplices of these atrocities must be held to account, notably as these acts may constitute war crimes and may amount to crimes against humanity.
By its repeated unilateral ultimatums and barbaric attacks the Russian leadership has also shown its cynical attitude regarding moving towards any ceasefire or peace negotiations.
Ukraine needs more air defence systems and high-precision weapons, as well as the permission to destroy Russian military facilities which are used for attacks against Ukraine. We must preserve EU unity and continue our work relentlessly to support Ukraine in its legitimate self-defence. At the same time we should strive to make all possible efforts towards comprehensive, just and lasting peace in a concerted manner with our international partners, instead of self-assigned, isolated and empty "peace missions".
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP
