You are a liar. Even the propagandistic Russian sources acknowledge the civilian vehicles were being used by the armed Russian mercenaries, which made the civilian vehicles transporting the combatants perfectly legitimate military targets. The Russian mercenaries were themselves committing war crimes with their engaging in combat without authorization of a sovereign government in civilian clothes and/or uniforms without the distinguishing insignia required by the laws of war. Their use of civilians in civilian vehicles as human shields against military attack is also a grave war crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, and death. Any combat or other news photographer is required to know they are liable to be injured or killed without recourse by any or all direct or indirect fire targeting the military personnel and equipment they accompany.
Repeat this 1000 times and you'll believe it is true.
Perhaps you should consult the official Kiev terminology. It is not "combat" or "war" but Anti Terrorist operation. In order to be effective propaganda must be uniform, and you are wavering.