Published on: 2026-05-22
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Intensifying Russian attacks across the entire territory of Ukraine are leading to an increase in the number of killed and wounded among the civilian population, forcing people to leave their homes and hindering the conduct of humanitarian operations. This was stated today at a press briefing in Geneva by the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the country, Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth.
She reminded that on May 20, the warehouse in Dnipro, leased by UVKB,was subjected to a direct missile strikeIn the mode of the Russian attack. Fewer than two people were killed, several others were wounded. According to Kastel-Hollingsworth, the warehouse sustained serious damage: about 900 pallets of humanitarian aid — items of first necessity and materials for repairing housing worth more than one million dollars were destroyed. This aid was intended for displaced persons and residents of frontline areas affected by the war.
“This is the first attack on a UNHCR facility since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. The attack not only deprived people of vital aid but also hindered humanitarian response at a time when the needs of the population are greater than ever,” she added.
Escalation of hostilities
UVKB emphasizes that the strike on the warehouse occurred against the backgroundbroader escalationthroughout the country. Kastel-Hollingsworth recalled that this week “deadly airstrikes” were also carried out on Sumy and Chernihiv regions in northern Ukraine, and last Friday, as a result of large-scale attacks on Dnipro and Odessa, according to reports, dozens of civilians were killed and injured. Less than a week ago, he continued, a strike using drones and missiles on Kyiv led to the collapse of a residential building, resulting in the death of at least 25 people.
According to the data from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, at least 815 civilians in Ukraine were killed during the first four months of this year, and another 4174 were wounded. This is 21 percent more compared to the same period last year.
Forced displacement
“Simultaneously, forced displacement of the population and evacuations from frontline areas continue,” emphasized Kastel-Khollingsworth.
Since the beginning of 2026, transit centers supported by the UVKB have received nearly 47,000 evacuated citizens. However, the actual number of displaced persons, as the organization believes, is higher, since many families leave dangerous areas without seeking assistance at transit points.
“People arrive with almost no belongings, many of them dressed in especially vulnerable conditions. This includes, in particular, elderly people and persons with limited mobility or disabilities,” noted the UN representative.
UVKB and partner non-governmental organizations continue to provide assistance to families recently evacuated and affected by the war, offering materials for emergency housing repairs, financial aid, as well as legal and psychological-social support.
Attacks on humanitarian workers
The administration also expressed concern in connection with the deterioration of security conditions for humanitarian workers in the area near the front line. Last week, two UN-marked convoys were struck by drone attacks. A truck carrying humanitarian aidwas attacked in Dnipropetrovsk region, the driver was injured and is now undergoing treatment. Alsoa motorcade in Kherson was hit, however, fortunately, it was without casualties.
“UVKB pays tribute to the courage, dedication to duty, and resilience of humanitarian workers and volunteers who continue to deliver vital assistance despite the enormous risk and extremely difficult conditions,” said Kastel-Hollingsworth.
“This work remains indispensable for millions of people affected by war. Repeated attacks on humanitarian workers while performing their duties are clear violations of international law. Civilians and humanitarian workers must never become targets,” she added.
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