Cyprus Mail
EuropeRussiaUkraineWorld

Amnesty regrets ‘distress’ caused by report rebuking Ukraine

rescue operation is underway after a missile strike, in chasiv yar

Amnesty International apologised on Sunday for “distress and anger” caused by a report accusing Ukraine of endangering civilians which infuriated President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and triggered the resignation of its Kviy office head.

The rights group published the report on Thursday saying the presence of Ukrainian troops in residential areas heightened risks to civilians during Russia’s invasion.

“Amnesty International deeply regrets the distress and anger that our press release on the Ukrainian military’s fighting tactics has caused,” it said in an email to Reuters.

“Amnesty International’s priority in this and in any conflict is ensuring that civilians are protected. Indeed, this was our sole objective when releasing this latest piece of research. While we fully stand by our findings, we regret the pain caused.”

Zelenskiy accused the group of trying to shift responsibility from Russian aggression, while Amnesty’s Ukraine head Oksana Pokalchuk quit saying the report was a propaganda gift for Moscow. Read full story

Ukrainian officials say they try to evacuate civilians from front-line areas. Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has not commented on the rights report.

In its email on Sunday, Amnesty said it had found Ukrainian forces next to civilian residences in 19 towns and villages it visited, exposing them to risk of incoming Russian fire.

“This does not mean that Amnesty International holds Ukrainian forces responsible for violations committed by Russian forces, nor that the Ukrainian military is not taking adequate precautions elsewhere in the country,” it said.

“We must be very clear: Nothing we documented Ukrainian forces doing in any way justifies Russian violations.”

Follow the Cyprus Mail on Google News

Related Posts

Netanyahu says Israel to press on with assault as truce talks to resume

Reuters News Service

Aid reaches northern Gaza as Israel and Hamas consider truce talks

Reuters News Service

Germany’s Scholz say Rafah assault would make regional peace ‘very difficult’

Reuters News Service

Iceland lava flows slow after fourth eruption since December

Reuters News Service

Putin tightens grip on power in Russian election but thousands join noon protest (updated)

Reuters News Service

Israel prepares return to ceasefire talks; UN says Gaza hunger crisis worsens

Reuters News Service