Ukraine war: NATO fears Russia may be deliberately targeting civilians as Kyiv says 38 children have been killed
The head of NATO has said Russian armed forces may be deliberately targeting civilians as they try to flee the military assault on Ukraine - as the eastern European country's defence minister said 38 children had been killed by Moscow's forces.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said there are "very creditable reports of civilians coming under fire as they try to evacuate" certain areas where humanitarian corridors have been agreed with Russia.
He continued: "Targeting civilians is a war crime, and it's totally unacceptable."
Mr Stoltenberg also told reporters in Latvia that the humanitarian impact of the almost two-week war "is devastating", adding: "We need real humanitarian corridors that are fully respected."
Asked what NATO can do to help, Mr Stoltenberg said: "We have a responsibility to ensure the conflict does not spread beyond Ukraine."
The alliance is boosting its defences to ensure that members near Russia and Ukraine are not next on Moscow's target list.
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