Ukraine Accuses Russia Of 'Terroristic Plan' Targeting Schools And Hospitals

Olha Stefanishyna, the deputy prime minister of Ukraine, has said Russian forces are striking schools and hospitals in Ukraine, as Vladimir Putin's invasion continues.

Speaking to the BBC, Stefanishyna accused Putin's forces of launching a 'terroristic plan' with attacks coming from both air and land against civilians.

She added that there was an 'enormous operation' on civilian targets by Russia following a 'strong resistance' from the Ukrainian army.

The official went on to accuse Russia of using 'military tactics right in the cities of Ukraine', claiming Russian forces had 'shelled hospitals, the shelled houses for kindergartens and schools, and the ordinary households'.

'This is how the reality looks', she added, as per the BBC.

A UK intelligence update also accused Russia of targeting 'populated areas in multiple locations, including Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol.'

Director-general of The World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated Stefanishyna's statement today, March 6.

'The WHO has confirmed several attacks on health care in Ukraine, causing multiple deaths and injuries', he said.

Yesterday, March 5, the UN said 351 civilian deaths had been confirmed in Ukraine since the war broke out on February 24. It is thought that the real figure is 'considerably higher'.

A UN investigation into the atrocities committed in Syria in 2016 earlier accused Russia of 'war crimes', with similar accusations being made about Putin's present use of forces in Ukraine.

Karim Khan, the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has elected to open an investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity that have allegedly taken place since Putin invaded Ukraine.

He said of the potential investigation into the alleged war crimes: 'I have already tasked my team to explore all evidence preservation opportunities'.

Russia continues to deny targeting civilians, instead saying that a 'special military operation' is being carried out against 'nationalists' and 'neo-Nazis' in Ukraine.

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information