In a stark escalation of violence, Russia launched a series of aerial strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 22 civilians and wounding dozens more. The attacks targeted residential buildings, a shopping centre, and a hospital in the eastern city of Kramatorsk and the southern port of Odesa. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly issued a statement calling the bombings "
barbaric" and a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The UK stands with Ukraine and will hold Russia accountable for these atrocities,"
Cleverly said, reiterating the government's commitment to supplying defensive aid and pursuing war crime investigations. The strikes come as Ukraine prepares for a counteroffensive, raising fears of further civilian casualties. The United Nations has condemned the attacks, with the Secretary General calling for an immediate cessation of violence against non-combatants.
Local officials report that rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency workers sifting through rubble for survivors. The international community has been urged to accelerate the delivery of air defence systems to Ukraine to protect its cities from such indiscriminate bombardment.
