Ukrainian fighting tactics endanger civilians.

Ukrainian forces have arranged civilians in harm’s track by founding bases and operating weapons systems in populated residential areas, including schools and hospitals, as they tried to repulse the Russian invasion that began in February.

The defenders’ tactics “in no way justify Russia’s indiscriminate attacks,” the rights group said in a new report, and some Russian “war crimes,” including in the city of Kharkiv, were not linked to the tactics.

Ukraine’s military has taken some positions and operated weapons in areas inhabited by civilians, including hospitals and schools, Amnesty said in a report, citing eyewitness interviews. Such tactics turn civilians into the prey of Russian strikes, even if it doesn’t justify indiscriminate Russian attacks, Amnesty said.

Amnesty secretary-general Agnes Callamard said, “We have recorded a pattern of Ukrainian forces putting civilians at risk and disobeying the laws of war when they operate in populated areas.”

“Being in a defensive status does not exempt the Ukrainian military from esteeming international humanitarian law.”

Residential areas where Ukrainian soldiers based themselves were miles away from frontlines, and “viable alternatives” were available that would not endanger civilians, the report said. Ukrainian armed forces take all measures to move civilians to safer areas, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Russia’s embassy in Britain argued that the report validated its findings. Russia has repeatedly said that attacks that have killed civilians — including against sites such as theaters and schools marked with signs saying “CHILDREN” — are aimed at legitimate military targets, which Ukraine rejects.