There are “credible” reports of Russian forces using cluster munitions against Ukraine, the United Nations warned Friday.
Officials have evidence Russians used the munitions in several deadly attacks against Ukrainian cities in “populated areas,” including in an explosion at Central City Hospital in Vuhledar on Feb. 24, killing four people and injuring 10 others, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Liz Throssell said Friday.
“Due to their wide area effects, the use of cluster munitions in populated areas is incompatible with the international humanitarian law principles governing the conduct of hostilities,” a statement read.
UNITED KINGDOM ‘CONFIRMED’ RUSSIAN FORCES’ USE OF THERMOBARIC ROCKETS IN UKRAINE
The international governing body also said there have credible reports of several other cluster munition attacks in the district of Kharkiv, killing nine people and injuring 37 others.
Cluster munitions are bombs that release and scatter smaller bombs over a wider area, which have the ability to produce catastrophic results.
Reports of Russia’s use of cluster munitions have circulated since the country invaded Ukraine, but evidence of their use, which could amount to war crimes, has been limited. Russia has implored the U.N. for the chance to present evidence of its claims.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
As of Friday, there have been at least 549 civilian deaths and 957 injuries since Russia invaded Ukraine, according to the U.N., which said it was “gravely concerned” by the level of human suffering.
The U.N. also warned that directing attacks against civilians, the “bombardment” of towns or villages, and other forms of “indiscriminate” attacks would violate international law.
