© Photo by OCHA The escalation is leading to devastating and increasingly severe consequences for Ukrainian civilians. UN: strikes on Ukraine lead to large-scale consequences for civilians Peace and Security
For the sixth night in a row, Kyiv has been hit by missiles and drone attacks from the Russian military. According to reports, at least 12 civilians were killed in the capital of Ukraine and the Kyiv region, and another 18 were injured. UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale announced this on September 1.
As a result of the latest attacks, railway infrastructure was damaged and railway workers were killed. According to Shmale, there is an expansion in the scope of attacks on civilian infrastructure: shopping centers, retail warehouses and railway locomotives are being targeted. Last night the train depot was also hit. Such attacks occur over a wide area – from Sumy in the north-east of the country to Odessa in the south.
“This escalation is leading to devastating and increasingly severe consequences for civilians: people are deprived of their livelihoods, psychological stress is growing, and everyday life is being disrupted. We should under no circumstances accept this as the norm,” said Shmale.
Stocks of HIV prevention products have been destroyed
Meanwhile, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) issued a statement on Tuesday strongly condemning the destruction of a warehouse containing supplies of HIV prevention products in the Kyiv region. The warehouse was used as part of the national HIV prevention program to store supplies intended for more than 300 thousand people. It was destroyed on July 19.
Thanks to the advance distribution of supplies throughout Ukraine, services will be provided without interruption until the end of 2026. However, the destroyed stockpiles were intended for operations in 2027, so they urgently need to be replenished to avoid future shortages.
Destruction of HIV prevention supplies puts lives at risk
“Health facilities and vital supplies are being hit violate international humanitarian law,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. – Even during war there are rules. Medical facilities and medical supplies should under no circumstances be targeted. The destruction of HIV prevention supplies puts lives at risk.”
UNAIDS is working with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and partners to replenish lost supplies and ensure uninterrupted access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Supporting these vital services is an urgent priority, UN agencies stress.