UN slams Donetsk maternity hospital shelling as breach of humanitarian law 

The reports about shelling of a maternity hospital in Donetsk raises concern, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric told TASS on Monday, adding that this is an obvious breach of the international humanitarian law.

“We have seen the media reports about a maternity hospital in Donetsk. This is extremely troubling. Any attack on civilian infrastructure, especially health facilities, is a clear violation of international law,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, the DPR’s mission to the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of the Ceasefire Regime reported massive shelling of cities and settlements in the republic from Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and artillery of various calibers, including an unprecedentedly powerful and sustained shelling of Donetsk. One of shells hit the local maternity hospital, setting it on fire.

The Ukrainian forces have been heavily bombarding Donetsk in recent days. The most intense escalation since 2014 was registered on May 30, when the Ukrainian armed forces used 155mm artillery and US M777 howitzers, as well as fired four rockets from the Smerch multiple launch rocket system into residential areas, causing civilian casualties.

Source: Itar Tass