India and China, two world powers that have offered Russia some relief in the face of Western sanctions, expressed concern after the deadly missile strikes across Ukraine on Monday and renewed calls for de-escalation and dialogue.
Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry, told a press briefing that “all countries deserve respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity” and that “support should be given to all efforts that are conducive to peacefully resolving the crisis.”
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi would offer support for efforts to calm the fighting.
“India is deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including targeting of infrastructure and deaths of civilians,” Mr. Bagchi said.
As the war in Ukraine has dragged on, President Vladimir V. Putin’s continued aggression has put his remaining allies in a difficult position. China and India have increasingly sought to distance themselves from the Russian leader, even as they have avoided directly condemning his invasion of Ukraine and continued to engage with Moscow economically — especially by purchasing more Russian oil as Europe has moved to reduce its imports.
António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, said he is “deeply shocked” by the Russian missile attacks.
“This constitutes another unacceptable escalation of the war and, as always, civilians are paying the highest price,” he said in a statement.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, also said he spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart to reiterate U.S. support after the “horrific strikes.”
NATO’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, tweeted condemnation of Russia’s “horrific & indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure.”
In his own words: “Spoke with Foreign Minister @DmytroKuleba & condemned #Russia’s horrific & indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure in #Ukraine. #NATO will continue supporting the brave Ukrainian people to fight back against the Kremlin’s aggression for as long as it takes.”
Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelensky posted images of the destruction on Telegram, writing that “The world once again saw the true face of a terrorist state that is killing our people. On the battlefield & in peaceful cities. A country that covers its true bloody essence & goal with talks about peace. It proves that the liberation of 🇺🇦 is the only basis of peace & security.”
Ukraine’s State Emergency Services said at least 11 people have been killed and more than 60 wounded in Russian missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities Monday.
The strikes are the largest coordinated assault on Ukrainian cities since the early days of the war.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted Ukraine’s military command and communication facilities and energy infrastructure.
At least six people were killed in Kyiv when missiles struck several locations in the city center during morning rush hour.
Officials in the central city of Dnipro said four people were killed.
The leader of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhny, said around 75 Russian missiles were launched, of which more than 40 were shot down by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russian forces had also used Iran-built armed attack drones.