ASEAN: The ASEAN Foreign Ministers have released a statement on the reported killing of civilians in Ukraine, following Russia’s withdrawal from the city of Bucha and the emergence of video and photo evidence showing mass civilian casualties.

The full statement reads as follows:

ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS’ STATEMENT ON THE REPORTED KILLING OF CIVILIANS IN UKRAINE 08 APRIL 2022

1. We, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, jointly express our deepest condolences to the people of Ukraine on the reported killing of civilians in Ukraine. We mourn with the bereaved families whose lives and their loved ones perished in the conflict.

2. We support the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for an independent investigation of all alleged atrocities against innocent civilians, including in Bucha to avoid a repeat and to honor justice.

3. We also emphasize the critical importance of humanitarian corridors to allow the safe transit of humanitarian aid into Ukraine.

4. We unequivocally call for utmost efforts by all parties and the international community to cease and desist the aggravation of fighting, and expend our maximum endeavor on ending and not expanding the conflict that will lead to nothing but the extension of bloodshed.

5. We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire or armistice and continuation of a comprehensive political dialogue that would lead to sustainable peace in Ukraine.