That is according to Reuters, Ukrinform reports.

Pope Leo on Sunday said innocent people are being killed and wounded in Ukraine and Russia, and called for an end to the war.

"Tragic incidents are multiplying, causing an ever-growing number of civilian victims, including children," the pontiff said before worshippers gathered for Sunday's Angelus prayer.

"I renew my heartfelt appeal for international humanitarian law to be respected and for attacks against civilian targets to cease on both sides," the pope added.

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According to the United Nations, more than 16,000 civilians have been killed in nearly four-and-a-half years of fighting, the overwhelming majority of them Ukrainians.

The UN human rights office said in July civilian injuries and deaths had increased by more than a third in Ukraine in the first half of the year, driven by rising numbers of drone attacks.

Photo: Vatican Media