UNITED NATIONS, December 31. /TASS/. Strikes on civilians and infrastructure are a vivid reminder that the Ukrainian conflict may escalate further, Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary General in the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA), 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.

Belgorod and the surrounding region were shelled by Ukraine’s armed forces. The latest strike was delivered on downtown Belgorod with the use of cluster munitions from Czech-made multiple rocket launchers. At least 22 people were killed and 109 were injured.