Pope Leo XIV has called on both Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks targeting civilians, as casualties continue to mount on both sides.
On August 9, during the Sunday Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the Pope stated, "As attacks continue, civilian casualties, including children, are increasing." He emphasized, "I sincerely appeal to both sides to respect international law and to stop attacks on civilian facilities."
On the same day the Pope made his appeal, civilian casualties were reported in both Russia and Ukraine. In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, three people were killed and 37 injured due to Russian attacks. In Belgorod, Russia, six people died from a Ukrainian drone strike.
Civilian casualties in Ukraine have surged recently. According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 injured in Ukraine during the first half of this year, a 37% increase compared to the same period last year.
The UN has analyzed that the increase in civilian casualties is primarily due to the rise in long-range missile and drone attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine maintain that they do not intentionally target civilians.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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