NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday there were credible reports that Russia was targeting civilians in Ukraine and urged Moscow to end the conflict, also vowing not to let it spread.
"We have a responsibility to ensure the conflict does not escalate and spread beyond Ukraine," Stoltenberg said. "We will protect and defend every inch of all allied territory," he added.
Speaking alongside Latvia's President Egils Levits, Stoltenberg said Russia's invasion was causing horrific suffering and that the humanitarian impact was devastating.
Civilians must be able to evacuate safely from Ukraine, Stoltenberg said in a statement.
Ukraine needs "real humanitarian corridors that are fully respected," Stoltenberg said in a press conference.
The alliance chief said "totally unacceptable" reports of attacks on civilians in Ukraine are credible.
"Targeting civilians is a war crime," Stoltenberg said.
