Ukraine Accuses Russia at the UN: ‘Targeted Attacks Against Civilians’

Ukraine has sent a letter to the UN accusing Russia of attacking civilian populations. The letter outlines a series of targeted attacks by Russia against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine between April 12 and 14, 2025. “I am sending this letter to report the ongoing terrorist attacks by Russia, which deliberately target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine,” states Ukraine in its letter to the UN Secretary-General. On April 13, Russia launched ballistic missile attacks on populated areas of the city of Sumy, killing at least 34 people, including two children, and injuring 119 citizens, including a newborn. Two missiles hit a university and residential areas, causing damage to 20 buildings, including apartment complexes, stores, and a courthouse. Other attacks are reported in various regions: Kupiansk (April 12-13): Bombardments and drone attacks caused deaths and destruction of homes. Kyiv (April 12): Drone attacks on warehouses caused extensive fires. Kherson (April 12-13): Attacks with artillery, rockets, and drones killed at least three civilians and injured others, hitting hospitals and houses. Donetsk region (April 13): Aerial bombings and gunfire damaged homes and injured people in Kostiantynivka and Rodynske. Odesa region (April 14): Drone attacks injured seven people and damaged infrastructure. In its letter, Ukraine welcomes the condemnation by the UN Secretary-General on April 13 for the attack on Sumy and calls for immediate and full use of all available UN mechanisms “to address the ongoing crimes.” It emphasizes that Russia’s actions constitute “war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression” and violate the criteria for participation in the UN, according to Article 4 of the Charter. The legitimacy of Russia’s continued presence in the Security Council is also questioned.