© OCHA/J. Theo Consequences of the attack in Dnieper. Ukraine: Attacks on humanitarian missions violate international law Peace and Security
Increasing Russian attacks across Ukraine are causing more civilian deaths and injuries, forcing people to flee their homes, and hampering humanitarian operations. Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the country, stated this today at a press briefing in Geneva.
She recalled that on May 20, a warehouse in Dnieper, rented by UNHCR, was subjected to a direct missile strike during a Russian attack. At least two people were killed and several others were injured. According to Castel-Hollingsworth, the warehouse was heavily damaged: about 900 pallets of humanitarian aid – emergency supplies and home repair materials worth more than $1 million – were destroyed. This assistance was intended for forced migrants and war-affected residents of front-line areas.
“This is the first attack on a UNHCR facility since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. The attack not only deprived people of life-saving assistance, but also hampered the humanitarian response at a time when the population’s needs have never been greater,” she added.
Escalation of fighting
UNHCR stressed that the attack on the warehouse occurred amid a wider escalation across the country. Castel-Hollingsworth recalled that this week “deadly airstrikes” were also carried out in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions in northern Ukraine, and last weekend, large-scale attacks on the Dnieper and Odessa reportedly killed and injured dozens of civilians residents. Less than a week ago, she continued, an attack using drones and missiles on Kyiv led to the collapse of a residential building, killing at least 25 people.
According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, at least 815 Ukrainian civilians were killed in the first four months of this year, and another 4,174 were injured. This is a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Forced displacement
“At the same time, forced displacement of the population and evacuations from front-line areas continue,” – emphasized Castel-Hollingsworth.
Since the beginning of 2026, UNHCR-supported transit centers have received nearly 47 thousand evacuated citizens. However, the real number of displaced people is believed to be higher, as many families flee dangerous areas without seeking assistance at transit points.
“People arrive with virtually no belongings, many of them are in a particularly vulnerable position. This includes, in particular, the elderly and those with limited mobility or disabilities,” the UN representative noted. psychosocial support.
Attacks on aid workers
The Office also expressed alarm at the deteriorating security conditions for aid workers in areas near the front lines. Last week, two UN-marked convoys were hit by drone strikes. A truck carrying humanitarian aid was attacked in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the driver was injured and is currently undergoing treatment. A convoy in Kherson was also hit, but fortunately there were no casualties.
“UNHCR salutes the courage, dedication and resilience of aid workers and volunteers who continue to deliver life-saving aid despite enormous risk and extremely difficult conditions,” – stated Castel-Hollingsworth.
“Their work remains indispensable to the millions of people affected by the war. Repeated attacks on humanitarian workers while on duty are a clear violation of international law. Civilians and humanitarian workers should never be targeted,” she added.