‘Calamitous Turn’: UN Official Expresses Concern Over Russia’s Latest Attacks on Ukraine

Recent attacks by Russia on the city of Odesa and other southern Ukrainian port areas have been labeled as “the latest casualties in this senseless, brutal war” by a top United Nations official. In a briefing on Ukraine to the U.N. Security Council, Mohamed Khaled Khiari, an assistant secretary-general, urged an immediate end to these attacks, stating that they “signal a calamitous turn” in the war.

“These attacks targeting Ukraine’s grain export facilities, similar to all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, are unacceptable and must stop immediately,” emphasized Khiari in his prepared remarks. He also highlighted that these attacks may violate international humanitarian law.

Khiari specifically referenced a Russian attack on a historic cathedral in Odesa, which occurred on Sunday and followed multiple nights of attacks on the city and other southern ports in Ukraine. He also noted the disturbing reports of Russian strikes on port infrastructure in Reni and Izmail ports, which are crucial for the shipment of Ukrainian grain and are located near the country’s borders with Moldova and Romania.

“Deliberately targeting infrastructure that facilitates the export of food to the rest of the world could be life-threatening to millions of people who need access to affordable food,” Khiari added.

Furthermore, Russia has recently withdrawn from a U.N.-negotiated wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain to Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries. This move has been widely condemned by the West, and Khiari stated that it, along with the recent attacks, signifies a calamitous turn for Ukraine and the world.

– The Associated Press contributed reporting.