NATO chief: Russian forces may be targeting evacuating civilians in Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday that Russia's armed forces may be targeting civilians in Ukraine.

What he's saying: "There are very credible reports of civilians coming under fire as they try to evacuate. Targeting civilians is a war crime, and it is totally unacceptable," Stoltenberg said.

• "We need real humanitarian corridors that are fully respected."

By the numbers: The United Nations on Sunday said there have been at least 1,100 civilian casualties since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Between the lines: Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO should not be involved in the conflict with Ukraine, adding that there would be more "human suffering and more civilians killed."

• Last month, Stoltenberg announced that NATO is deploying its Response Force for the first time to countries in Eastern Europe in case the conflict expands beyond Ukraine.

Go deeper:

• Axios explains Ukraine
• The latest on the Russia-Ukraine crisis