Marysia Zapasnik, IRC’s Ukraine Country Director, said:

"We strongly condemn the attack on Hroza in the Kharkiv region. It is terrifying bombs falling on innocent people, close to areas where the IRC operates. According to the latest reports, at least 51 were killed. Targeting civilians goes against the principles of humanity. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

“We are worryingly witnessing an increased number of attacks on critical infrastructure, even in places which had been considered relatively safe to date. The previously ruined homes and power grids have not been fully repaired, while intense shelling and deaths caused by landmines and other unexploded ordnance are now a daily reality.

“As temperatures plummet, Ukraine will likely suffer from intensified barrages of missile strikes, and a more widespread destruction. The combination of ongoing conflict, destroyed infrastructure, and harsh weather conditions can make life incredibly tough for the people in affected areas.”