The European Union has called for an immediate ceasefire in rebel-held east Aleppo. It is voicing strong concern about the humanitarian situation in the Syrian town.

A written statement was issued Monday after a meeting of 28 foreign ministers in Luxembourg. In it, the bloc condemns Russia’s air campaign in Syria. It says it “may amount to war crimes.”  

The EU accuses Russian and Syrian armed forces of striking hospitals and schools and using barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons. EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini said the Russia’s latest eight-hour ceasefire is a good start, but aid agencies would need more time to deliver aid.

Relations between the EU and Russia have continuously worsened over the crises in Ukraine and Syria. Monday’s statement marks the EU’s harshest criticism yet of Russia's role in Syria.