South Africa Makes Rare Criticism of Russia After Ukraine Attack

Policemen and medics help people to move from an armored car to a ambulance from the village of Yarova, that was hit by Russian aerial strike, which killed dozens of civilians, in Sloviansk, Donetsk region, on Sept. 9.

Photographer: Alex Babenko/AP Photo

South Africa said it was “deeply concerned” by a Russian attack that killed Ukrainian pensioners, striking a more critical tone of Moscow than usual as it repeated its desire to help find peace.

“Deliberate targeting of non-combatants is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement on Wednesday. “South Africa is deeply concerned about the indiscriminate attacks on civilians emanating from a Russian attack which killed pensioners.”