The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has denounced Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, a situation it says has led to human casualties among civilians.

In a statement dated Sunday, February 27, ECOWAS said it has been following with great concern events ongoing in the country.

It urged the parties to ensure the safety of the citizens of all its member-states living in Ukraine.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this action and calls for both parties to stop the fighting and to use dialogue to solve their differences in the interest of peace in this region,” the statement said.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has launched an unprecedented attack on Ukraine.

The move comes after Putin ordered troops into two pro-Russian, breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine last week.

There have been multiple reports of explosions, bombings, and Russian Military vehicles entering Ukraine from various parts of the border with Russia, with a growing number of casualties being counted on both sides.

Recent tensions have stemmed from Russia’s opposition to Ukraine’s moves towards European institutions like North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU).