"Utterly unacceptable": UN condemns Russian strikes on civilian targets in Kharkiv

The UN press service published her statement.

"I am appalled and shocked by the terrifying news arriving from Kharkiv. This afternoon, in broad daylight as people - despite all the horrors they endure every day in this city - were trying to go about their day, their lives were shattered by yet another attack by the Russian Armed Forces… This is utterly unacceptable," Brown stressed.

She insisted that attacks by the Russian armed forces on civilians and civilian infrastructure must cease.

"Intentionally directing an attack against civilian infrastructure is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Civilians must be protected," Brown reiterated.

• On Saturday, May 25, Russian forces launched a series of attacks on Kharkiv's civilian infrastructure, including a strike on the Epicentr construction hypermarket. Follow the link to read more.