- The State Department has accused Russia of 'widespread' human rights abuses in Ukraine.
- Secretary Blinken's remarks come as Russian forces reportedly fire missiles at civilian areas.
- Advocacy groups have warned that bombings against Ukrainian citizens could be considered war crimes.
Ths US State Department has accused Russia of "widespread" human rights abuses in Ukraine as troops reportedly fire missiles at civilian areas.
"Russia's invasion has damaged and destroyed schools, hospitals, radio stations, and homes, killing and injuring civilians, including children," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement during a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting.
He added: "Since the opening moments of Russia's premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine, reports of human rights abuses have been widespread."
Advocacy groups have warned that ongoing bombings and attacks against Ukrainian citizens could be considered war crimes.
Amnesty said on Sunday that cluster munitions killed several civilians — including a child — at a preschool on Friday, and said the strike may be considered "a war crime."
Human Rights Watch said on Friday a Russian ballistic missile hit near a hospital the day before, killing four civilians and injuring 10.
"The escalation of military operations inside Ukraine is leading to escalating human rights violations," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday. "We know the result of war: civilian casualties, people forced to flee, poverty & hunger."
Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Monday of killing 16 children and injuring 45 others since the invasion began on Thursday.
His remarks came as dozens of people were reportedly killed in rocket strikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.