A Russian strike on a humanitarian convoy within the metropolis of Zaporizhzhia has killed a minimum of 23 individuals and injured one other 28, a Ukrainian official has mentioned.
Zaporizhzhia regional governor Oleksandr Starukh mentioned Russian forces focused the convoy heading to Russian-occupied territory.
He posted photographs of burned out autos and our bodies mendacity within the highway.
Russian officers didn't instantly acknowledge the strike.
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the Ukrainian president’s workplace, mentioned 4 of 16 S-300 missiles that Russia launched struck a automobile market in addition to an space the place civilians had gathered leaving to choose up family members.
It comes as Moscow prepares to annex 4 areas into Russia after an internationally criticised, gunpoint referendum vote as a part of its invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Starukh mentioned these within the convoy deliberate to journey into Russian-occupied territory to choose up their family members after which take them to security. He mentioned rescuers had been on the website of the assault.
In the meantime, the UN Safety Council has scheduled a vote on a decision that might condemn Russia for its “unlawful so-called referendums” within the 4 Ukrainian areas, and declare that they “don't have any validity”.
The US and Albanian-sponsored decision would name on all nations to not recognise any alterations to the standing of Ukraine’s Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia areas.
It will reaffirm the UN dedication to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence inside its internationally-recognised borders.
The Kremlin has introduced plans to maneuver on annexing Russian-controlled areas of the 4 areas on Friday, and Russia is for certain to veto the decision.
US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield mentioned earlier this week that if that occurs, the US and Albania will put the decision to a vote within the 193-member Normal Meeting, the place there are not any vetoes.
The draft decision, obtained late on Thursday by The Related Press, would order Russia to “desist and chorus from actions aimed on the partial or whole disruption of the nationwide unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine”.
It will additionally demand the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine.