Comment by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on deadly strikes in Ukraine

I am appalled by the wave of attacks killing civilians across Ukraine over the past four days, including today’s horrifying strike hitting two public buses that left at least 30 civilians dead in Kramatorsk, according to local authorities.

The scale and manner of these attacks -- killing and injuring people on buses, at their homes and work in different areas of the country -- is reprehensible. Since Monday, at least 85 civilians have been reportedly killed and 346 others injured in Russian strikes.

At the same time, many areas of Ukraine have been pitched into darkness following a barrage of long-range strikes on electric substations and power generation plants. Ukraine already faces emergency and rolling power outages, even before cold temperatures and shorter days lead to a surge in demand for electricity.

I am deeply concerned by reports of Ukrainian attacks that have killed and wounded civilians in occupied territory and in Russia.

Civilians are strictly protected under the laws of war and may never be attacked. In addition, parties must take constant care to spare the civilian population. Alleged violations must be investigated and those found responsible must be held to account. Deliberate attacks on civilians could amount to war crimes.