OSCE: We are facing one of the most acute security crises since World War II

The attack on Ukraine is already taking its toll on the civilian population. This was stated by Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Matteo Mecacci at the winter meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

“The OSCE faced one of the most acute security crises since World War II, when the dangerous decision was made to resort to armed conflict instead of dialogue. The ODIHR is deeply concerned about the human consequences of the hostilities initiated by the Russian Federation in Ukraine for all residents of the country, and in particular for the civilian population,” Mecacci said in a statement.

“There is already evidence of civilian death and suffering as thousands flee their homes in search of safety. Documented fatal incidents include a ballistic missile strike and a bomb hitting an apartment building. The ODIHR is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to assess developments as they develop. The laws of war prohibit indiscriminate attacks and attacks directed against civilians and civilian property. The ODIHR calls on the parties to the conflict to respect their commitments to human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to comply with all obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights,” the ODIHR urged.

Since February 24, Russia has been conducting a special operation in the Donbass, the purpose of which President Vladimir Putin called the “demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry says it is disabling the country’s military infrastructure with precision-guided strikes. Read more in the chronicle of “Rosbalt”.