WCC denounces Russian missile strikes on hospitals

Irpin, Kyiv region, Ukraine. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC

Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, General secretary of the World Council of Churches has denounced the barrage of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and other densely populated areas of Ukraine, which killed at least 34 people, and which severely damaged two of the country's main hospitals for children and women, as well as important energy infrastructure. It is the latest significant incident in which disregard for international humanitarian law has been evident.

WCC emphasizes that all those who target civilians and civilian infrastructure do so in violation of the most fundamental principles of law, ethics, morals and religion. In this brutal war resulting from Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, civilians are suffering the consequences every day.

A recent UN report states that from March to May this year alone 436 civilians were killed and 1760 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine. Civilians in Russia are also suffering the consequences of this unconscionable conflict.

To prevent more bloodshed and destruction, all such violations must stop, and the war must end.