Matthias Schmale condemned the widespread Russian attacks on Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, marking the third strike in as many weeks. “Instead of enjoying the summer break, children and their families spent the night in shelters, disturbed by sirens and explosions,” he said. UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, with Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urging immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire.
Explosions were reported in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Poltava. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported that Russia launched 656 drones and missiles, with 30 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and 33 drones hitting 38 locations. Russia claimed the bombardment was retaliation for a Ukrainian attack in Starobilsk, Luhansk region, which killed 21 civilians. Moscow had warned of “consistent and systemic” strikes on Kyiv.
HRMMU teams visited affected sites in the city and Dnipro, where rescue efforts continued for those trapped under rubble. “Despite protective measures, the attack killed at least 22 civilians and injured 145, including children,” said Danielle Bell, HRMMU head. “The loss of life and damage to civilian infrastructure demonstrate the human cost of using explosive weapons in populated areas.”
HMRRU reported an emergency worker in Kyiv was killed, highlighting the risks faced by personnel assisting civilians after attacks. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed sadness over a three-year-old boy’s death in Dnipro and injuries to 10 children across Ukraine. “The devastation of young lives must end,” the agency tweeted.
UNICEF shared Valeriia’s story, a 13-year-old from Kyiv who spent the night in a basement with her mother. “I thought I wasn’t going to survive,” she said. “I broke down when explosions blew open the shelter door.”
Mr. Schmale noted the ongoing war’s toll on civilians’ mental health due to constant fear and anxiety. He emphasized the need to uphold international law to protect civilians and infrastructure. “The Russian Federation’s rhetoric and attacks should stop, paving the way for a just peace,” he said. The UN monitoring mission reported increased civilian casualties due to the rise in long-range missile and drone use, with figures 20 percent higher than in 2025.
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