The United Nations has strongly condemned a large-scale Russian assault targeting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, as well as the cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv. These strikes mark the third time these cities have been bombed in recent weeks.
Matthias Schmale, UN Humanitarian Coordinator, described the grim reality for civilians, stating, “Instead of celebrating the start of summer holidays, children and families spent the night in basements, waking up to air raid sirens, explosions, and uncertainty.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this condemnation, vehemently denouncing the attacks and reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire.
Over 600 Missiles and Drones Deployed
While Kyiv and Dnipro bore the brunt of the assault, explosions were also reported in other regions, including Zaporizhzhia, Sumi, Chernihiv, and Poltava. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Russia launched a total of 656 long-range drones and missiles overnight. Although most were intercepted, 30 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 33 long-range drones impacted 38 separate locations.
Russian officials stated that the bombardment was a response to an alleged Ukrainian attack last week in Starobilsk, Luhansk region, which reportedly killed 21 civilians.
Rescue Operations Underway
UN mission teams visited the sites in Kyiv and Dnipro, observing ongoing rescue efforts firsthand. Reports indicate that individuals remain trapped under the rubble.
Danielle Bell, Chief of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, confirmed that the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 22 civilians and injured 145 others, including children. “The predictable human cost of using explosive weapons in populated areas is highlighted by the loss of life, injuries, and damage to civilian infrastructure,” Bell stated.
‘Senseless Destruction’
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed distress over reports of a three-year-old child killed in Dnipro and 10 children injured across Ukraine. “This brutal and senseless destruction of young lives must end,” UNICEF declared.
UNICEF also shared the harrowing account of 13-year-old Valeriia, who spent the night with her mother in a basement in Kyiv. Valeriia recounted that the explosions were so powerful they threatened to blow open the shelter door, making her fear for her life.
Call for Cessation of All Attacks
Matthias Schmale emphasized the ongoing devastating impact of the war on civilians and their mental health. He noted that civilians are unable to rest and live in constant fear and anxiety, anticipating the next attack.
Schmale stressed the importance of adhering to international law for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. “Provocative rhetoric and escalating attacks by the Russian Federation must cease and pave the way for a just peace,” he urged.
The UN monitoring mission highlighted that the increased use of long-range missiles and drones is the primary driver of civilian casualties in Ukraine. Civilian casualty figures recorded since the beginning of the year are approximately 20% higher compared to the same period last year, largely due to the expanded use of long-range weaponry.
