 Attacks on civilians signal danger of Ukrainian conflict escalating. UN warns. Strikes on civilians and infrastructure are a vivid reminder that the Ukrainian conflict may escalate further. Khaled Kyari, Assistant Secretary-General in the UN Department of Political and Peace Building Affairs said. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Violate international humanitarian law are unacceptable and must end now. He said at an emergency meeting following attacks on Russia's Belgorod. Protection of civilians must be the main priority. The fighting and bloodshed must cease, the UN official added. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified some 1,888 civilian deaths and a further 6,334 injuries in 2023, bringing the total casualties since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 to 29,113. The actual figures are likely considerably higher. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored that attacks against civilians and civil infrastructure violate international humanitarian law are unacceptable and must end immediately. He also extended his deepest condolences to the families of all the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The statement added.