Red Cross chief: Ukraine war 'nothing short of a nightmare'

A top Red Cross official says the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine has become “nothing short of a nightmare” for those living in besieged cities

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The ongoing Russian war on Ukraine has become “nothing short of a nightmare” for those living in besieged cities, a top Red Cross official said Monday, calling for safe passage out for civilians and humanitarian aid to be allowed through the front lines.

Robert Mardini, the director-general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, also called the war “catastrophic” for civilians affected by the fighting as people run out of drinking water, food, medical supplies and fuel for heating — particularly in the surrounded Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Medical facilities also continue to be targeted in attacks.

And while the Red Cross continues to speak with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, Mardini said there's so far been no established routes for people to safely leave Mariupol and some other areas facing intense warfare.

“People are in desperate need to to take shelter, and this is why the situation cannot, cannot continue like this," he told The Associated Press while on a visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. "History is watching what is happening in Mariupol and other cities and civilians must be protected. So whether (it's) a cease-fire, or a combination of a cease-fire and safe evacuation of civilians, is an absolute must.”