Beijing: China on Monday condemned attacks targeting civilians after an alleged Ukrainian drone strike reportedly hit a bus carrying civilians in Russia’s Bryansk region, urging all parties to protect non-combatants amid the ongoing conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing, stating, “China opposes attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure and calls on all parties to effectively protect civilians,” when asked about the incident.

The comments followed accusations by Russian authorities that Ukraine carried out a drone strike on a civilian bus transporting a Belarusian children’s football team in the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border. Russian officials reported that one adult was killed and several passengers, including children, were injured in the attack.

Moscow has launched an investigation into the incident, describing it as a terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Ukraine has denied responsibility, asserting that its forces were not operating drones in the area at the time. The competing claims could not be independently verified.

In response to the reported drone attack, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry last Thursday summoned Ukraine’s acting Charge d’affaires Ivan Novitsky and lodged a formal protest.

Guo reiterated China’s long-standing position on the conflict, expressing Beijing’s support for efforts aimed at de-escalation and a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. He urged all sides to avoid actions that could further intensify hostilities.

China has maintained a neutral public stance on the Russia-Ukraine war while repeatedly calling for peace negotiations and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.