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United Nations: Voicing grave concern over reports of civilian deaths in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has said that critical civilian infrastructure in urban areas have become easy targets in situations of armed conflict.

Speaking at the UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine on Tuesday, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador R Ravindra said the conflict has resulted in the loss of lives and countless miseries for its peoples, particularly for women, children and elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighbouring countries.

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peace building Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Council that the Russian missile strike on a mall in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk killed 18 civilians and injured 59 and the final toll may be much higher.

“India remains deeply concerned over the situation in Ukraine,” Ravindra said.

The Council meeting was also addressed virtually by Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the second time the leader spoke directly to the powerful 15-nation UN organ since the start of the conflict in February.

India added that the issue of the protection of civilian objects in armed conflicts should be considered within the framework of applicable international law. Earlier, India had unequivocally condemned the killing of civilians in Bucha and supported the call for an independent investigation.

Ravindra added that from the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, India has been consistently calling for a complete cessation of all hostilities and advocated the path of peace, dialogue and diplomacy.

“We support all efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine, especially talks” between Ukraine and Russia. He noted that India has also been sending humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, which include medicines and other essential relief materials.

Underlining that the impact of the Ukraine conflict is not just limited to Europe, he said, the conflict is exacerbating concerns over food, fertiliser and fuel security, particularly in the developing countries.