Several ambassadors to the United Nations have condemned Russia for its latest massive aerial attacks on Ukraine that led to a high number of casualties.

An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday was held at the request of Ukraine and the United States among other countries.

Several countries accused Russia of using missiles and drones to target civilian facilities, including residential buildings, hospitals and schools.

Britain's Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward said the missiles were aimed at population centers across Ukraine.

Albania's Ambassador to the UN Ferit Hoxha said Russia aims to destroy Ukraine, terrorize the people, and bring the entire nation to its knees.

Japan's Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki said Russia must be held accountable for its atrocities. He urged Moscow to end its invasion immediately, and completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Russian missiles and drones hit military infrastructure targets in Ukraine, and Ukrainian anti-air missiles going off course hit civilian objects. He said, "It is entirely clear that betting on a solution to the Ukrainian crisis on the battlefield was a mistaken decision."