LONDON

The top Irish diplomat on Tuesday denounced recent airstrikes by Russia on Ukraine, saying there can be no justification for attacking civilian infrastructure.

"I strongly condemn recent Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring civilians including children," Tanaiste, or Foreign Minister Simon Harris wrote on X.

Harris added: "There can be no justification for attacking homes and residential buildings, schools, vital energy infrastructure or UNESCO-protected Odesa."

At least five people died after Russian drone and missile strikes hit Ukraine's towns and cities, including the southern city of Odesa, according to reports on Saturday.

Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022.