UNSC: India condemns civilian killings in Bucha, calls for independent probe

United Nations/New Delhi, April 5: India on Tuesday condemned the killing of civilians in Ukraine’s Bucha city and backed calls for an independent probe into the killings that have been blamed on Russia. Speaking at a session on Ukraine at the UN Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, TS Tirumurti said: “The situation in Ukraine has not shown any significant improvement since the Council last discussed the issue. The security situation has only deteriorated, as well as its humanitarian consequences. “Recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We unequivocally condemn these killings and support the call for an independent investigation.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has termed the killings in Bucha as “war crimes” and a “genocide”. Russia has denied involvement in the killing of civilians, including in Bucha. According to the Mayor of Bucha, around 50 victims of extra-judicial killings by Russian troops had been found there after Kremlin forces withdrew late last week. Tirumurti, in his address, expressed hope that the international community will continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of Ukraine. “We support calls urging for guarantees of safe passage to deliver essential humanitarian and medical supplies,” he said. He said India has been sending humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, which include medicines and other essential relief material. “We stand ready to provide more medical supplies to Ukraine in the coming days.” He reiterated India’s call for immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities, and also the need to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. “When innocent human lives are at stake, diplomacy must prevail as the only viable option,” he said. He also noted the “ongoing efforts, including the meetings held recently between the Parties”. Tirumurti said the impact of the crisis is being felt beyond the region with increasing food and energy costs, especially for many developing countries. “It is in our collective interest to work constructively, both inside the United Nations and outside, towards seeking an early resolution to the conflict,” he urged. “Allow me to reiterate the importance of UN Guiding Principles of Humanitarian Assistance once again. Humanitarian action must always be guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These measures should never be politicized.” “We continue to emphasize to all member states of the UN that the global order is anchored on international law, UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states,” he added. (UNI)