GENEVA, Jan 3, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - UN human rights chief Volker Turk called Tuesday for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine as his office voiced alarm at the intensification of attacks. Deadly strikes hit residential buildings in Ukraine and a Russian border region on Tuesday as waves of aerial attacks also wounded dozens and prompted Kyiv to urge speedier Western weapons shipments.
 
   "Alarming escalation of hostilities, dozens of civilians killed in Ukraine and Russia. International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilian objects," the UN Human Rights Office said on X.
 
   "Volker Turk urges immediate steps to de-escalate, ensure protection of civilians and respect international law."
 
   The bombardment mainly of Kyiv and northeastern Kharkiv came less than 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to step up strikes following an unprecedented Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod.
 
   Tuesday's attacks came after an escalation in the war in recent days, with Russia launching a wave of strikes on Friday across Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, that killed 39 people.