United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said Tuesday that it's clear that the collapse of the dam in the southern Kherson region is "another devastating consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine."
He added that the UN doesn't have access to information to independently verify the cause.
"We have all seen the tragic images coming out today of the monumental humanitarian, economic and ecological catastrophe in the Kherson region of Ukraine," Guterres told reporters.
"Today’s tragedy is yet another example of the horrific price of war on people. The floodgates of suffering have been overflowing for more than a year," he added. "That must stop. Attacks against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure must stop."
Guterres said that in response, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are "rushing support in coordination with the Government of Ukraine – including drinking water and water purification tablets and other critical assistance."
"Above all, I appeal for a just peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and the resolutions of the General Assembly," the official said.
The United Nations Security Council will meet at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday afternoon to discuss the dam collapse, a US official told CNN.
CNN's Jennifer Hansler contributed reporting to this post.