Ukraine: India makes strongest condemnation of Russian invasion yet after Bucha massacre

India has condemned atrocities committed in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, in its strongest statement yet against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Dozens, and possibly hundreds, of civilians, are believed to have been killed by Russian forces during the occupation of the town, west of Kyiv.

India's representative to the UN Security Council said New Delhi was "deeply concerned" about the violence in Ukraine and called for a ceasefire.

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📺Watch: Permanent Representative @AmbTSTirumurti speak at the #UNSC Briefing on the situation in #Ukraine ⤵️@MEAIndia @IndiainUkraine @IndEmbMoscow pic.twitter.com/TCSXK0YsaG

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) April 5, 2022

Indian UN envoy TS Tirumurti said: "Recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We unequivocally condemn these killings and support the call for an independent investigation. 

"The situation in Ukraine has not shown any significant improvement since the Council last discussed the issue. The security situation has only deteriorated, as well as its humanitarian consequences.

India has largely refrained from criticising Russia for its horrific actions in Ukraine, choosing to abstain from UN  votes condemning Russia's invasion and continuing to import oil from Moscow.

There is growing condemnation of Russia for the massacre of civilians during its brutal occupation of Ukrainian cities and towns.

Horrific images of dead civilian bodies strewn across the streets of Kyiv’s suburb Bucha over the weekend have led to international condemnation of Russian forces, who reportedly executed hundreds of civilians during their withdrawal.

Turkey, which has also tried to stay neutral on the Russian invasion, also called for an investigation into the killings.

"The images of the massacre, which have been published in the press from various regions including Bucha and Irpin near Kyiv, are appalling and sad for humanity," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement.