Ukrainian ombudswoman Lyudmyla Denisova says the Red Cross building in the besieged city of Mariupol has been hit by Russian air strikes and artillery.
Denisova said in a post on Facebook on March 30 that the building came under fire even though its roof is marked with a Red Cross symbol -- which is accepted internationally as an indication that the structure holds wounded or ill people, or civilian or humanitarian cargo -- that is visible from the air.
There was no immediate confirmation by the Red Cross of the incident.
"This is another war crime by the Russian Army in accordance with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and a gross violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions," she wrote, noting there was currently no information on possible casualties.
"I call on the world community to condemn the barbaric actions of the occupying country in shelling the ICRC building and to take measures to end the bloody war on the territory of Ukraine as soon as possible," she added.
Since it launched its unprovoked attack on Ukraine, Russia has denied targeting civilians. However, there has been overwhelming evidence from journalists, researchers, and on social media showing apartment buildings, residences, hospitals, cultural venues, and shopping malls destroyed by Russian air strikes and shelling.
Mariupol, a strategic port city in the south of Ukraine, has been reduced to rubble by constant Russian bombarding. Tens of thousands of civilians are said to be trapped in the city with no electricity, and little food and water.
The International Committee For the Red Cross has described the situation in Mariupol as "apocalyptic."
