By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, (Reuters) – Ukraine’s civilians and vital infrastructure must be safe from Russian attacks. This was the conclusion of officials from United Nations and Red Cross on Thursday. The aid agencies were still trying to determine how much damage Russia has caused.

Russian forces defeated Ukrainian invaders in close proximity to the country’s borders after Russia launched an attack by sea, land and air against Ukraine. This was the most serious assault on any European nation since World War Two.

Michelle Bachelet (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) stated that Russia’s military action was “clearly violative of international law”, and that Ukraine needed to be protected.

U.N. Refugee Agency stated that Ukraine is rapidly changing and asked neighboring countries for help to ensure their borders are open to anyone seeking refuge.

In a statement after Moscow’s missiles hit major cities in Ukraine, Peter Maurer (President of the International Committee of the Red Cross) stated that all sides must adhere to international humanitarian law.

They must not engage in attacks against areas that are prohibited by the prohibitions of means or methods of war, and they should refrain from violating the rules for the conduct of hostilities. Maurer stated that weapons with large area effects must be avoided near populated areas.

“Essential infrastructure cannot be saved, such as water, gas, and electric systems that supply water to civilian homes, schools, medical facilities, with essential water and electricity,” he said.

He said that security permits would allow ICRC teams to continue to fix vital infrastructure and supply hospitals with medicine and equipment. They also provide food for families.

Already with 600 people in Ukraine providing aid, the agency has helped to restore two water pumping stations damaged by weekend bombings that have left over 1 million without water.

Martin Schuepp, ICRC’s regional director for Eastern Europe & Central Asia, stated that “it has been impossible to go out today and assess damages, or provide humanitarian aid because the security environment has not permitted it,” Reuters reported in an interview with him at ICRC headquarters.

“As quickly as possible, we will assess the conditions of hospitals and water infrastructure in order to determine how best to assist,” he stated.

The ICRC delivered vital supplies to both the Russian annexation and conflict of Crimea in 2014, and has continued to do so until today.