Reports from local media outlets suggest that a series of artillery attacks on residential areas in Donbass on Thursday resulted in the death of over a dozen civilians. The Ukrainian forces used NATO-supplied howitzers and rocket launchers to carry out the attacks, which targeted Donetsk city twice.
The attacks resulted in the death of nine civilians and injuries to seven in the Kalininsky district of Donetsk, which was hit by a strike on a parking lot. Another attack targeted a bus station in Lisichansk, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and one injury, as well as damage to a passenger bus.
Ukraine has been requesting more artillery ammunition from the US and its allies to hold onto key strategic points and launch a “spring offensive” against Russian forces. The US has already supplied Ukraine with three dozen HIMARS launchers and long-range ammunition, with the most recent “security assistance” package including ammunition for both HIMARS and howitzers.
While it is essential to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its territory, it is crucial to ensure that any military assistance is used in compliance with international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian objects. The warring parties must prioritize the protection of civilians, and the international community should work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
