© UNICEF/A. Filippov Firefighters at the scene of an impact in Kiev, Ukraine. Top news of the day | Thursday: Ukraine, Middle East, forest fires, human trafficking UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: as a result of the Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, civilians were killed, the situation of the population in the Middle East is worsening, fires destroyed almost 6 million hectares of forest in Europe and North America, today they celebrate World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
Strikes on Ukraine
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned another Russian attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities using missiles and drones last night. The strikes reportedly killed and injured civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure. The UN chief stressed that any attacks on civilians and infrastructure are a violation of international law and must stop immediately. The Secretary General again called for urgent de-escalation.
Escalation in the Middle East
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the consequences of the escalation in the Middle East continue to worsen. Since yesterday, there have been reports of civilian casualties in Iran and Kuwait. Damage to infrastructure facilities and interruptions in their operation were recorded in Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The UN reminds that Egypt and Jordan remain key logistics centers for humanitarian operations in the region, including medical evacuations and aid delivery. OCHA calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law.
Forest fires
Since the start of 2026, fires have destroyed almost 6 million hectares of forest in Europe and North America. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) warns that without increased investment in prevention, sustainable forest management and adaptation to climate change, it will be impossible to contain the spread of megafires. The UNECE reminds that forest fires lead to the death of people, destroy housing and infrastructure, and force the population to leave their homes. Smoke deteriorates air quality and increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Human Trafficking
In his message on the occasion of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, which is celebrated on July 30, the UN Secretary-General emphasizes that the fastest growing form of exploitation is forced online fraud. All over the world, people are lured by promises of legitimate work, only to find themselves in the hands of transnational criminal networks and engaged in fraud under the threat of violence. Such operations bring billions of dollars to criminals, and modern technology allows them to operate with unprecedented speed.