According to EC spokesman Peter Stano, these attacks, which have resulted in civilian casualties, unequivocally constitute war crimes.
In a statement to the Polish Press Agency (PAP), EC spokesman Peter Stano highlighted the severity of the situation in Ukraine. "This brutal war against civilians and civilian objects shows the nature of Russia's illegal aggression," Stano said. He also stated that these attacks are a direct response from Putin to peace efforts, leaving no doubt about their classification as war crimes. Stano assured that those responsible, including commanders and accomplices, will be held accountable for these atrocities.
The European Union's resolve to support Ukraine has only been strengthened by these attacks, as echoed in the recent meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, PAP reported, where the bloc’s ministers collectively emphasized the need to continue backing Ukraine in the face of these acts of aggression.
EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell was cited by Stano, noting the necessity for the EU to shift its support strategy for Ukraine. Borrell advocated for moving from a stance of supporting Kyiv "for as long as necessary" to a commitment of engagement "at all costs" to ensure Ukraine's victory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a recent statement, described the Russian shelling as "deliberate terror." He reported that residential areas in Kyiv and Kharkiv were among the targets, leading to the death of 18 civilians in a single day of Russian rocket attacks.
Source: PAP