The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing killings and destruction in Ukraine following a weekend of deadly attacks.
In a statement issued on Monday, Türk condemned the violence that claimed the lives of at least 14 civilians including three children, and left dozens injured in several regions across the country. The majority of casualties occurred in heavily populated areas such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported that at least 11 civilians were injured in cross-border drone strikes launched into Russia by Ukrainian forces over the same period.
Türk stressed the urgent need to end hostilities, saying:
“It is time to bring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to an end, commit to and implement a comprehensive ceasefire that halts the daily bloodshed and destruction, and begin genuine peace talks founded on respect for international law.”
He also reiterated that, even amidst conflict, those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely.
“Summary executions, torture, and any form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners are prohibited under all circumstances and must cease immediately,” he stated.
Türk further noted that civilian detainees should be released once there is no lawful basis for their detention, and their protection from refoulement must be guaranteed.
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The High Commissioner welcomed the recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, which saw the release of 880 prisoners of war and 120 civilians from each side. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), most of the civilians involved appeared to have been detainees, although specific details remain unavailable.
“Many families can now breathe a sigh of relief as their loved ones have finally returned home. At the same time, others are mourning losses and destruction as their communities come under fire,” Türk added.
In a separate statement, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed grave concern over the impact of recent attacks on children in Ukraine.
UNICEF’s Representative in Ukraine, Munir Mammadzade, confirmed that at least three children were killed in Zhytomyr over the weekend, and at least 13 others were injured in different regions.
“Ukraine’s children have suffered far too long. How many more futures must be stolen? This senseless violence and tragic loss of young lives must come to an end,” said Mammadzade.
UNICEF reported that over 220 children were killed or injured between January and April 2025 a 40 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
“Attacks on civilian areas must cease, and children must always be protected,” Mammadzade stressed. “Above all, what children need most is an end to this war.”
